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Scottish Sun
12 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
BBC star leading the race to replace John Torode on MasterChef – after star is ‘asked to step down' from show
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A popular BBC star is the front runner to replace John Torode on MasterChef. Australian star Torode, 59, has been asked to step down from his long-running role on the show after an historic accusation of racism, which he has no memory of and denies ever happened. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Matt Tebbutt is a front runner to replace John Torode on MasterChef Credit: PA 4 Torode has denied using racist language after an allegation was made against him Credit: PA The claim against him emerged as part of an investigation into his shamed former co-star Gregg Wallace that saw 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour upheld against him. While food critic Grace Dent has already led the celebrity version of the show and is a favourite to present the amateur version too, Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt is also being lined up. It's believed he has already landed the job fronting MasterChef: The Professionals. A TV insider said: 'Both Grace and Matt are well thought of at the Beeb and the one thing they want in the wake of the show's recent crisis is familiarity and safety. 'They're also conscious that having a male and female pairing is a welcome break from it being fronted by two blokes.' Meanwhile, Torode was cited — but not named — in findings published over a racist remark he allegedly made during a private conversation. Torode, who has hosted the BBC1 cooking show with Wallace since 2005, was shocked to be told of the allegation — which did not receive a complaint at the time but had been raised with investigators. In a farcical turn of events, the BBC was unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to '2018 or 2019'. Shockingly, sources said the BBC and production company Banijay asked John to resign from the beleaguered show last week and claim he had mental health problems — to which he refused. He issued a statement to The Sun confirming he was the individual in the Wallace investigation who was 'alleged to have used racial language on one occasion'. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments However John — married to actress and ex-Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, 53 — believes it never even happened. The dad of four said: 'The allegation is I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened 'However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.' 4 John married actress and ex-Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner Credit: PA:Press Association 4 John and Gregg began hosting a revamped MasterChef in 2005 Credit: Shine Ltd It is understood to be the only issue involving him in the report, though a source close to him said he is 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. They went on: 'He was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. "The witness said he apologised instantly, and he was mortified. 'The witness even stated he didn't use the term as a slur. 'No one complained at the time, but it's been brought up during the inquiry. "Shockingly he was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was only informed on Friday that it would be upheld." The BBC called John on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back. He was told to have his answer by Monday. A source claimed: 'They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. 'Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn't have any mental health issues. "To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma. 'John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn't want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star."
The Sun
12 minutes ago
- The Sun
BBC star leading the race to replace John Torode on MasterChef – after star is ‘asked to step down' from show
A popular BBC star is the front runner to replace John Torode on MasterChef. Australian star Torode, 59, has been asked to step down from his long-running role on the show after an historic accusation of racism, which he has no memory of and denies ever happened. 4 4 The claim against him emerged as part of an investigation into his shamed former co-star Gregg Wallace that saw 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour upheld against him. While food critic Grace Dent has already led the celebrity version of the show and is a favourite to present the amateur version too, Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt is also being lined up. It's believed he has already landed the job fronting MasterChef: The Professionals. A TV insider said: 'Both Grace and Matt are well thought of at the Beeb and the one thing they want in the wake of the show's recent crisis is familiarity and safety. 'They're also conscious that having a male and female pairing is a welcome break from it being fronted by two blokes.' Meanwhile, Torode was cited — but not named — in findings published over a racist remark he allegedly made during a private conversation. Torode, who has hosted the BBC1 cooking show with Wallace since 2005, was shocked to be told of the allegation — which did not receive a complaint at the time but had been raised with investigators. In a farcical turn of events, the BBC was unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to '2018 or 2019'. Shockingly, sources said the BBC and production company Banijay asked John to resign from the beleaguered show last week and claim he had mental health problems — to which he refused. He issued a statement to The Sun confirming he was the individual in the Wallace investigation who was 'alleged to have used racial language on one occasion'. However John — married to actress and ex-Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, 53 — believes it never even happened. The dad of four said: 'The allegation is I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened 'However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.' 4 It is understood to be the only issue involving him in the report, though a source close to him said he is 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. They went on: 'He was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. "The witness said he apologised instantly, and he was mortified. 'The witness even stated he didn't use the term as a slur. 'No one complained at the time, but it's been brought up during the inquiry. "Shockingly he was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was only informed on Friday that it would be upheld." The BBC called John on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back. He was told to have his answer by Monday. A source claimed: 'They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. 'Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn't have any mental health issues. "To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma. 'John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn't want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star."
Daily Record
20 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Tennis fans call for BBC to axe commentator after Wimbledon final
Viewers took to social media as the men's singles final was broadcast on Sunday. The BBC has faced calls to remove one of its Wimbledon commentators after a slew of complaints were posted on social media. Former British No. 1 player Andrew Castle was commentating on the men's singles final between Italy's Jannik Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, July 13. The 61-year-old has regularly featured in the broadcaster's Wimbledon coverage, having appeared as a player in the 1980s, WalesOnline reports. The pre-match build-up and analysis for the clash featured insights from former players Tim Henman, Todd Woodbridge, John McEnroe and Pat Cash, alongside host Clare Balding. However, the handover to the commentary team saw Castle take over, prompting a flood of posts online. One viewer complained: "Why oh why do the BBC put Andrew Castle on lead commentary for the Men's Singles final every year, he's terrible. My ears have already start to bleed." Another agreed: "Massive build up to this #WimbledonFinal and then BBC put Andrew Castle on commentary. Way to kill the match for me before it even starts." A third commented: "Wow Andrew Castle is so bad he is already trending internationally," noted a fan. "Heart sinks when I hear the words '... and your commentator is Andrew Castle'. Ruins enjoyment of every match. @BBCSport needs to cut the chord." Another added: "Andrew Castle being given such an important role in this final after all of the complaints about him in the semi is embarrassing. He really adds zilch to the commentary booth." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Castle's role at Wimbledon had already been discussed during this year's tournament, particularly after 1992 champion Andre Agassi joined the commentary team for the semi-final match between Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz of the USA. The change saw several positive reactions from fans who preferred his views over Castle's. Australian player Nick Kyrgios, known for being outspoken, appeared to share the same opinion. In 2024, he took issue with comments made by Castle on-air about Fritz and Alexander Zverev, claiming they were disrespectful. This year's BBC TV coverage saw a stellar team of pundits assembled, with Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Tracy Austin, and Annabel Croft also providing discussion, joined by other commentators including Andrew Cotter, Jo Durie, Anne Keothavong and Nick Mullins. A further line-up of experts on BBC Radio 5 Live featured Marion Bartoli, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Greg Rusedski, Naomi Broady, Daniela Hantuchova, and Leon Smith.
