MasterChef fans start petition for BBC to sign fan-favourite TV cook as John Torode's replacement after shock sacking
The Aussie chef, 59, was axed from MasterChef after allegedly using a racist remark.
4
4
4
It comes as a report upheld 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour against his co-host Gregg Wallace, who was also axed last week.
The dossier also upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase once several years ago.
Writing online, viewers have put their support behind a familiar face to replace John: Si King of the Hairy Bikers.
One wrote on Reddit: "If Masterchef isnt cancelled Si King has to be the new presenter.
Not sure who could join him and with Dave passing that could be an issue.
"Maybe Marcus Waring or a rotating line up thinking Nigella, Marcus, Jay Rayner, not big Zuu etv."
"Si encapsulates everything I like in a cooking show, he's warm, friendly and seems to love food."
Another added: "Si King & keep Grace Dent. Perfect mix."
While a third shared: "Si king and Ade edmondson would be great."
A fourth remarked: "Si King is a great shout."
A BBC spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Torode is axed from the show.
A statement read: '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.'
Banijay wrote a statement which added: "In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.
"The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.
"This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint.
"Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."
4
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
19 minutes ago
- The Independent
Why three concert-goers are suing Royal Albert Hall for £500,000
Three long-standing Royal Albert Hall seat holders have launched a High Court lawsuit against the venue's corporation, seeking over £500,000 in damages. Arthur George and William and Alexander Stockler allege the Royal Albert Hall has "unlawfully" deprived them of their rights to their seats by excluding them from more performances than its rules permit. Their legal representatives are asking a judge to declare the exclusion practice unlawful, grant an injunction, and award an interim payment of £500,000. The Royal Albert Hall corporation opposes the application, arguing the case should proceed to trial. The corporation also suggests the claimants' complaints are linked to "various financial matters" and that they consented to or acquiesced in the granting of additional exclusive lets.
The Independent
19 minutes ago
- The Independent
Essex Police aware of video which appears to show vehicle drive into protester
Police have confirmed a video which appeared to show a police vehicle drive into a protester in Essex has been reported to them. It comes after violent clashes outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, which is believed to house asylum seekers, in recent days. On Thursday night, eight officers were injured during altercations between protesters and police with those hurt sustaining injuries to their hands as well as cuts and grazes. A video circulating on social media on Thursday evening appeared to show a police vehicle as it drove towards a number of protesters who were standing in the road, before appearing to collide with at least one person. Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper told the PA news agency the video had been reported to the force, but said they had seen another video 'which maybe shows it from a different angle'. 'And I guess the angles and perceptions show a different thing,' he added. 'So I'm not sure that exact incident is as it's been reported in the media.' The police chief promised to hold criminals to account for 'selfish and mindless' violence and vandalism following the events on Thursday night. A group of protesters started with a peaceful demonstration in Epping town centre, before moving onto the Bell Hotel, where things later turned violent. There have been a number of demonstrations outside the hotel since Essex Police charged 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu with sexual assault following an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Mr Hooper said his team were now combing through CCTV to identify those responsible 'for assaults on our staff, through to damage and abhorrent language that was used'. 'Then we can start knocking on doors and bring those involved to justice that were responsible for that selfish criminality,' he said. 'But we also want to work with the community to facilitate people using their voice in peaceful protests.' At a press conference on Friday, Mr Hooper spoke of two people who have been arrested – one on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault during a protest on Sunday, and the other for failing to comply with dispersal orders. Mr Hooper said the man accused of affray, 65-year-old Dean Walters, has since been charged and the second suspect remains in custody. During a protest on Sunday, fireworks were let off and eggs were thrown outside the hotel. On Friday afternoon, a security guard remained on site at the Bell Hotel, opening the gate in the fencing and the door of the hotel to let people in and out. Fencing has since been put up to surround the hotel, accompanied with no entry signs. There are also warnings forbidding photography and filming in the vicinity of the hotel. Broken glass and remnants of flares remain on the ground from the incident. Mr Hooper believes that, although there are polarised views in Epping surrounding the hotel holding asylum seekers, a lot of those responsible for the violence came from further afield. He said: 'We actually saw last night we believe outsiders from our communities. People have come from outside their local areas into Epping to commit acts of violence and damage. 'That was really disappointing to see, because we know our communities wanted a voice and wanted to tell us what was going on, and they were peaceful in their activity. 'I've seen some of the social media comments and spoken to a number of members of the community, and there are polarised views. 'But it's our role as police to be independent and to, without fear or favour, make sure that people have the right to peaceful protest. 'What I won't stand for is those mindless acts of vandalism and violence that we saw and making sure that we are very robust in supporting our communities. 'Our communities don't want to see this violence, and they want to have their voice heard peacefully.' One resident living next to the Bell Hotel, who did not want to be named, said: 'It's all horrible. Epping is a very nice place. 'It is very unfortunate that this has attracted people from outside the area. 'They [those staying in the hotel] haven't given us any safety concerns. The safety concerns are from those protesting. 'The police will be here tonight, they were here last night. 'But I know there's a lot of mixed views in the town about the hotel.'
The Independent
19 minutes ago
- The Independent
Danny Dyer reveals ‘moment of clarity' he experienced in en-suite toilet
Danny Dyer revealed that a moment struggling to put on a pair of jeans en-suite toilet after a party convinced him to check into a rehab clinic. He described this incident as a 'moment of clarity,' fearing he was 'going to die' due to his uncontrolled drinking and drug habit. Speaking to The Telegraph, Dyer said he no longer uses drugs but still enjoys beer and has taken up meditation, having found a better balance in his life. He previously disclosed that his wife, Joanne Mas, controls their finances after she kicked him out in 2000 due to his infidelity and drug use. Dyer acknowledged putting his wife 'through a lot of s***' when he became famous, crediting her with keeping him grounded. Danny Dyer says an 'odd' incident with a pair of jeans made him 'sort his life out'
