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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside John Torode's MasterChef sacking as he was given 'lifeline' after using 'worst racial slur'
Former MasterChef star John Torode is thought to have used the 'worst racial slur' in an allegation that was upheld prior to his contract on the show not being renewed John Torode's time on MasterChef came to an end after he admitted he was involved in a racism allegation. Shortly after the presenter, 59, made the revelation, the BBC and production company Banijay confirmed his contract on the hit culinary show would not be renewed. It came as his former co-host Gregg Wallace , 60, was also relieved of his position on the show. Torode claims he had "no recollection" of the incident in question, but is said to have used an "extremely offensive racist term". As the claims against him were upheld, Torode was stood down from fronting the long-running show. Despite Torode claiming to not remember the moment, BBC star and former creative director at Banijay's Endemol Shine, Richard Osman, has opened up on the situation. He has claimed that the presenter was offered the option to do a training course and take a year off from the show after the allegation was upheld. Speaking on his The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Osman said: "They took John Torode aside, this was my understanding of the whole situation, and said: 'We believe that this happened. We believe that you used this language.' He denied it. "They said to him - whether this was the BBC or Banijay - they said to him, 'We will accept if you want to take a year off, you have to do a mandatory training course to understand and accept that this is not something we particularly want in our workplace.' "That was denied. He said, 'Of course I'm not going to do that. I didn't do this in the first place anyway so why would I ever do this?'" Osman claimed that this then led to Torode being let go. "John Torode said, 'The first I knew about it was I read it in the papers.' And my understanding is that's not true - the first thing he knew about it was when he was told it," Osman went on. Despite claims by Torode that the BBC asked for his resignation and to blame his mental health, Osman has a different recollection of events. He said: "The only conversation was, 'We believe this happened. We will give you a second chance, a lifeline, which is you take a year, you take a series off, you go and do something, talk to people who maybe persuade you that this is not the way to act in a certain workplace.' And he said that he was not prepared to do that." While the allegation was upheld, Osman alleged there were a number of other issues that hadn't been, but only because they couldn't be for certain what had happened. "But, you know, on this particular occasion, it's not woke gone mad," Osman said. "You know, he used, I think, probably the worst racial slur there is. And they found that to be substantively true. They found evidence that they were happy with — that that was true. "He is saying, 'I definitely didn't do it. I certainly can't remember it,' but that one was upheld." Torode is currently planning to take legal action against the BBC over his sacking. Yesterday, a Mirror source was told: He wants to pursue them for unfair dismissal. "He's telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name."
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Richard Osman alleges John Torode used 'worst racial slur there is' which led to Masterchef axe
Richard Osman has broken his silence on John Torode's sacking and claims the former MasterChef star is not being entirely honest about why he was let go from the show. Richard Osman has broken his silence on John Torode's MasterChef axe, alleging that he was given the choice to stay on at the BBC show under one condition. Torode was sacked from MasterChef earlier this week following the claim that he had used "an extremely offensive racist term" was upheld. The TV host said in a statement that he had "no recollection" of it happening and said he found out his contract had been terminated through the news after the BBC and production company Banijay announced it. BBC star Richard Osman, who was a creative director at Banijay's Endemol Shine, has now shared his insight into the situation, claiming that the show had asked the TV presenter to do a training course and take a year off from the show after the allegation was upheld. Speaking on his podcast, The Rest is Entertainment, Richard explained: "They took John Torode aside, this was my understanding of the whole situation, and said: 'We believe that this happened. We believe that you used this language.' He denied it. "They said to him - whether this was the BBC or Banijay - they said to him, 'We will accept if you want to take a year off, you have to do a mandatory training course to understand and accept that this is not something we particularly want in our workplace.' "That was denied. He said, 'Of course I'm not going to do that. I didn't do this in the first place anyway so why would I ever do this?'" He added that the show then decided to let John go, the Mirror reports. Richard continued: "John Torode said, 'The first I knew about it was I read it in the papers.' And my understanding is that's not true - the first thing he knew about it was when he was told it". 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. Richard then claimed that while John said the BBC asked him to resign and blame his mental health, what actually happened was that he was asked to do a training course which was their "only conversation." He said: "The only conversation was, 'We believe this happened. We will give you a second chance, a lifeline, which is you take a year, you take a series off, you go and do something, talk to people who maybe persuade you that this is not the way to act in a certain workplace.' And he said that he was not prepared to do that." Richard later alleged that there were further claims that weren't upheld. Richard said: "And by the way, there's all sorts of things that weren't upheld because they couldn't say for certain they believed it happened. But, you know, on this particular occasion, it's not woke gone mad. "You know, he used, I think, probably the worst racial slur there is. And they found that to be substantively true. They found evidence that they were happy with — that that was true. "He is saying, 'I definitely didn't do it. I certainly can't remember it,' but that one was upheld." A source told the media yesterday that Torode is now seeking legal action against the BBC over his sacking. The insider said: 'He wants to pursue them for unfair dismissal. He's telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name".
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside John Torode's MasterChef exit as BBC star shares 'truth' behind axe
BBC star and former Endemol creative director Richard Osman has spoken out about John Torode's MasterChef exit, sharing the 'real reason' he was let go from the programme BBC star Richard Osman has broken his silence on John Torode's MasterChef exit, claiming that he was given the option to stay on the show by the BBC under one condition. Earlier this week, John Torode was fired from MasterChef after an allegation of him using "an extremely offensive racist term" was upheld. The TV presenter said in a statement that he had "no recollection" of it happening and that he only found out that his contract had been terminated after the BBC and production company Banijay put out the news. Now, Richard Osman - who was a creative director at Banijay's Endemol Shine - has shared his insight into the situation, claiming that the show had asked the TV presenter to do a training course and take a year off from the show after the allegation was upheld. Speaking on his podcast, The Rest is Entertainment, Richard explained: "They took John Torode aside, this was my understanding of the whole situation, and said: 'We believe that this happened. We believe that you used this language.' He denied it. "They said to him - whether this was the BBC or Banijay - they said to him, 'We will accept if you want to take a year off, you have to do a mandatory training course to understand and accept that this is not something we particularly want in our workplace.' "That was denied. He said, 'Of course I'm not going to do that. I didn't do this in the first place anyway so why would I ever do this?'" He added that the show then decided to let John go. "John Torode said, 'The first I knew about it was I read it in the papers.' And my understanding is that's not true - the first thing he knew about it was when he was told it," Richard added. Richard went onto claim that while John had claimed that the BBC asked him to resign and blame his mental health, the "only conversation" had was asking him to do a training course. Richard explained: "The only conversation was, 'We believe this happened. We will give you a second chance, a lifeline, which is you take a year, you take a series off, you go and do something, talk to people who maybe persuade you that this is not the way to act in a certain workplace.' And he said that he was not prepared to do that." Richard later alleged that there were further claims that weren't upheld. "And by the way, there's all sorts of things that weren't upheld because they couldn't say for certain they believed it happened. But, you know, on this particular occasion, it's not woke gone mad," Richard said. "You know, he used, I think, probably the worst racial slur there is. And they found that to be substantively true. They found evidence that they were happy with — that that was true. "He is saying, 'I definitely didn't do it. I certainly can't remember it,' but that one was upheld." The Mirror has reached out to John Torode's representation for comment. Banijay declined to comment. John Torode is now planning to take legal action against the BBC over his sacking, a source told The Mirror yesterday. 'He wants to pursue them for unfair dismissal. He's telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name," they said.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Married At First Sight in chaos as bosses struggle to cast for new series after new rules revealed
MARRIED At First Sight Australia has been thrown into chaos as they scramble to cast the new series. Insiders claimed the strict new rules have made it harder than ever to find suitable singletons ready to walk down the aisle. 5 5 Filming for the thirteenth season of MAFS Down Under is just weeks away - but the show is already in turmoil behind the scenes. Despite casting opening months ago, producers are still scrambling to fill key roles, with insiders claiming several major spots remain empty and time is quickly running out. A source told Daily Mail Australia a string of strong candidates have pulled out at the last minute. And production company EndemolShine Australia were forced to put a desperate casting call out just last week. Posted on MAFS' Instagram, it read: "Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN." The source revealed: "They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms. "Honestly, they're desperate. There's a real sense of panic among the producers who know they have to deliver a standout cast to keep viewers hooked after this year's season was so controversial." Meanwhile, others have been dropped after failing the network's tough new vetting process - leaving producers in a mad dash to find fresh faces before cameras start rolling. A source said: "Channel Nine isn't messing around when it comes to background checks this year. "They don't want anyone with a criminal record - not even someone who's faced court and been found not guilty. MAFS star reveals she's finally dating again two years after heartbreaking split on the show "It's about protecting the brand at all costs. But they're not playing it safe. "They still want drama, chaos, headlines - they just don't want to give critics any more ammunition." Despite the tougher screening process, insiders say the network is still demanding a drama-packed series - with high hopes the final cast will bring the usual fireworks when the show hits screens. Mafs couples that have stood the test of time Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby. The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam's Doncaster home. Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau. Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December. Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: 'I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out - and excited for everything to come.' Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019. Owen recalled: 'I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work. "While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in. 'The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, 'Wouldn't it be funny if I signed up?' 'A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.' Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson. Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna's vegan lifestyle, the show's first same sex pairing are still going strong. They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod. Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: "We're not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship." Meanwhile, former MAFS stars are lining up to offer words of wisdom - and warnings - to the next batch of hopefuls, urging them to stay grounded, cautious, and ready for anything. 2025 bride Rhi Disljenkovic advised: 'Be yourself from the get-go. Don't be afraid to be your most authentic self. Back yourself and speak up when you need to.' Her on-screen partner Jeff Gobbels agreed, adding: 'You can't pretend to be someone you're not. Just be yourself - that's why you got cast in the first place.' But not all advice came with a smile. Season 11's Jack Dunkley, who divided viewers with his fiery antics, had a starker warning: 'Don't trust anyone easily. Your partner is your only real teammate. Align with them however you can - even if there's no romantic connection.' He added a final word of caution about the editing room: 'Be prepared for the worst… they can do magic with how you're portrayed.' However, Timothy Smith - who was paired with fan favourite Lucinda Light in 2023 - reckons the edit doesn't lie. 'Who you were on TV is who you are in real life. If you're a good person, it'll show. If you're not, it'll show too.' 5 5 5
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Married At First Sight 2026 in crisis as producers scramble to finalise cast just weeks before filming begins -amid strict new vetting rules and fears over a 'dud' season
Filming for the thirteenth season of Married At First Sight is just weeks away, but production insiders claim the upcoming series is already in chaos behind the scenes. Despite casting calls opening months ago, producers at EndemolShine Australia are still struggling to lock in key participants, with multiple insiders revealing that several major roles remain unfilled. 'They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms,' a well-placed source told Daily Mail Australia. 'Honestly, they're desperate. There's a real sense of panic among the producers who know they have to deliver a standout cast to keep viewers hooked after this year's season was so controversial.' It's understood several strong candidates have backed out at the eleventh hour, while others have failed the network's increasingly strict vetting process. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Channel Nine isn't messing around when it comes to background checks this year,' one source said. 'They don't want anyone with a criminal record - not even someone who's faced court and been found not guilty. It's about protecting the brand at all costs.' Despite the rigorous screening process, insiders say the network still expects the cast to deliver fireworks. 'They're not playing it safe,' the source added. 'They still want drama, chaos, headlines - they just don't want to give critics any more ammunition.' In a sign of just how dire the situation is, the official MAFS Instagram account shared another casting call just last week. 'Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN,' the post read, prompting speculation that producers are still struggling to match remaining participants. Each year, the pressure mounts to deliver a more diverse and authentic line-up - but ultimately, it's still the 'divisive, problematic and hot' contestants that drive ratings. 'Honestly, they're desperate. There's a real sense of panic among the producers who know they have to deliver a standout cast to keep viewers hooked after this year's season was so controversial' the insider said Season 2025 bride Rhi Disljenkovic (pictured) said: 'Be yourself from the get-go. Don't be afraid to be your most authentic self. Back yourself and speak up when you need to' Meanwhile, former cast members are dishing out advice for the next batch of hopefuls, urging them to stay grounded, wary - and ready for anything. Season 2025 bride Rhi Disljenkovic said: 'Be yourself from the get-go. Don't be afraid to be your most authentic self. Back yourself and speak up when you need to.' Her partner Jeff Gobbels echoed that sentiment, advising: 'You can't pretend to be someone you're not. Just be yourself - that's why you got cast in the first place.' But not everyone had such a rosy outlook. Season 11's Jack Dunkley, who had a polarising run on the show, warned future participants to be cautious. 'Don't trust anyone easily,' he said. 'Your partner is your only real teammate. Align with them however you can - even if there's no romantic connection.' Jack added that producers can spin a contestant's behaviour any way they choose: 'Be prepared for the worst… they can do magic with how you're portrayed.' Timothy Smith, who was paired with Lucinda Light in the 2023 season, insisted the show's editing was surprisingly fair: 'Who you were on TV is who you are in real life. If you're a good person, it'll show. If you're not, it'll show too.' Timothy Smith (pictured), who was paired with Lucinda Light in the 2023 season, insisted the show's editing was surprisingly fair: 'Who you were on TV is who you are in real life. If you're a good person, it'll show. If you're not, it'll show too' Timothy also urged future stars to speak up during filming. 'If you think it, say it. If you feel it, do it. Don't sit on the fence - you'll only regret it later.' Al Perkins, who rose to fame across multiple reality shows, warned about post-show media attention. 'There'll be so many outlets trying to reach out - it's overwhelming. You won't know who to trust at first.' Carina Mirabile, meanwhile, gave a more wellness-focused suggestion, encouraging future cast to bring natural sleep aids and work on their mental resilience. 'Your brain won't stop ticking. It's a pressure-cooker environment,' she said. 'Focus on your mental health, work out, and ride the wave.' Despite the chaos behind the scenes, Nine is determined to pull off another ratings juggernaut - but with casting still in flux and production looming, the stakes couldn't be higher. 'Until the cast is locked and the cameras roll, there's still time to turn things around,' one insider said.
