Celebrity MasterChef star shares true feelings on John Torode and Gregg Wallace
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Toyah Willcox has reminisced about her stint on the popular cooking show following the recent departure of judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
The BBC cooking competition, which was revived in the early 2000s, became a staple of British TV thanks to the dynamic duo of Torode and Wallace. Over several weeks, the pair would scrutinise the dishes of the contestants, gradually eliminating them until a champion emerged.
However, the show's future is now uncertain after a report confirmed 45 complaints against Gregg Wallace, including an instance of "unwelcome physical contact" and three counts of inappropriate undress.
John Torode faced one upheld claim of racism, which he has vehemently denied, expressing his shock and sadness over the accusation.
On a lighter note, during an episode of the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, Toyah reflected on her experience competing in the celebrity version of MasterChef in 2006.
Reminiscing about her time on the programme, the singer shared: "I did MasterChef with both Gregg and John and they were divine. They were lovely to be with."
Taking part in what marked the inaugural series of the revamped programme, Toyah progressed through to the quarter-finals before viewers witnessed Matt Dawson claim victory in the competition, triumphing over Roger Black and Hardeep Singh Kohli in the final showdown.
Beyond her stint on the programme, Toyah had already established herself in the late 1970s when she gained recognition as part of the new wave and post-punk movements that were flourishing during that era. Following a string of chart successes including It's a Mystery, I Want to Be Free, and Thunder in the Mountains, she subsequently pursued acting with appearances in films such as Jubilee and Quadrophenia, alongside stage performances in Calamity Jane.
A BBC spokesperson has issued the following statement: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
"This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.
"He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
"The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed."
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