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The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
John Torode breaks his silence after being SACKED from MasterChef over ‘racist remark' amid Gregg Wallace scandal
MASTERCHEF host John Torode has spoken out for the first time after being sacked from the show for allegedly making a "serious" racist remark. BBC bosses in into co-host 3 John Torode, 59, was sacked from MasterChef on Tuesday after being accused of making a racist remark during production of the show Credit: Alamy 3 The allegation was revealed in a report that looked into behaviour of Torode's co-host Gregg Wallace Credit: PA 3 Torode was allegedly asked to resign over the weekend and cite mental health issues before he was sacked Credit: Getty Today, Torode finally spoke out against the allegations and his sacking, claiming he had "no recollection" of what he was accused of. He said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been "sacked" from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. "The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. "I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Read More on MasterChef "Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. "Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last. "Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have." He added: "I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. Most read in News TV "My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. "Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. "Thank you for the many years of MasterChef." The dossier into Wallace's behaviour upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase on one occasion several years ago. Torode previously told The Sun that this comment referred to him, but added: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' It was claimed the BBC told the presenter to pretend he had mental health issues and resign, after he was Confirming his sacking on Tuesday, a statement from the BBC 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 SACKED from MasterChef after 'racist remark' in another blow for scandal-hit show after Gregg Wallace saga "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." 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. The BBC was unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to '2018 or 2019'. MasterChef scandal timeline 2005 to 2011: Problems with MasterChef began way back in the mid-2000s, with 27 substantiated claims made against host Gregg Wallace regarding alleged incidents in this period, according to a report by law firm Lewis Silkin. Most of these were related to sexually explicit comments, although one allegation of unwanted physical contact in this period was also substantiated. The same report found there was a failure by the production company to retain records of any actions taken during this time. 2012 to 2018: Another 17 allegations were upheld from this period, according to the report. The production company behind MasterChef investigated an allegation about Wallace's behaviour in 2015 - but he was not made aware of the complaint. In 2016, the production company merged with Endemol, introducing more formal policies as well as regular training and anonymous reporting lines. The BBC intervened in response to a complaint in 2017, after which Wallace was then warned to change his behaviour. 2019 to 2024: One substantiated complaint about an inappropriate comment was from this time period. November 2024: Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a 17-year period on a range of TV shows. He steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay - the show's production company - announces it will conduct an external review to 'fully and impartially investigate' the claims against him. Some of these allegations included Wallace 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay UK also confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. December 2024: Wallace posts a video on Instagram which claims accusations against him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. His remarks are widely panned as "inappropriate and misogynistic', causing Wallace to apologise for any 'offence' or 'upset' he caused with his remarks, saying he will 'take some time out'. Co-host John Torode says he 'loves being part of' the show and 'will continue to be a part of it'. July 8 to 9, 2025: Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following an enquiry into his alleged misconduct by Banijay. In an Instagram post, the former greengrocer claimed he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognised that some of his humour and language was inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. July 14, 2025: Lewis Silkin publishes its report, on behalf of Banijay. It says that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. It concludes that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'. In the wake of the report's findings, Banijay says that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable'. July 15, 2025 : Co-host Torode is sacked after allegedly making a racist remark while on the show. BBC bosses axe the TV host and slam an "extremely offensive" term, which was raised in the bombshell report into Gregg Wallace's "inappropriate behaviour". Torode says the comment - which the report attributed to an unnamed person - referred to him, but added: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' 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. However John — 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.' 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." What did the report find? FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated. An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace. The report substantiated: - Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo; - Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments; - Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone; - Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments; - Three claims that he was in a state of undress; - Seven allegations of bullying; - One allegation of unwanted touching. The allegations span from 2005 to 2024. 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." Melbourne-born John moved to the UK in 1991 and started working in London restaurants including Quaglino's. It was there he met greengrocer Wallace, who provided their veg. He started cooking on This Morning in 1996 before he and Wallace began hosting the revamped MasterChef in 2005.
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders legend confirms permanent return after 27 years
The actress is back for the soap's heartbreaking ongoing storyline as her character clashes with Phil Mitchell Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS actor Karen Henthorn is returning to the soap for the first time since 1998. The soap star is coming back as Nigel Bates' wife Julie amid his dementia battle. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Karen Henthorn has rejoined the soap after 27 years Credit: PA 3 Julie and Nigel reunite in scenes to air this week Credit: BBC 3 It doesn't go down well with Phil Mitchell Credit: BBC However, Nigel walked out on her over a year ago without being honest about his diagnosis. Next week, she will go up against Nigel's best pal Phil Mitchell as they row over his care. Karen said: "Even with the Phil situation, Julie knows that as long as she's with Nigel – and he knows how much she loves him – that's what matters. "They are facing a hard road ahead, but they've got each other now. "Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she'll go above and beyond to help him. Phil can be as difficult as he wants to Julie, she's not going anywhere." Phil is left furious when Julie reveals she wants to take Nigel back to Scotland with her. "She's really angry because Phil knew where Nigel was all this time, and he could have told Julie," Karen adds. "She doesn't understand why he didn't get in touch with her, and that leads to clashes between them. "Also, Julie believes Nigel should have as much support as possible, so she doesn't get why Phil is trying to cut her out." Nigel was seen back on EastEnders for the first time in 27 years when he appeared in the 2024 Christmas Eve episode. EastEnders' Nigel Bates reveals heartbreaking truth about his dementia battle as soap teases another comeback after 27 years The character left the show in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Clare fled Albert Square to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye and her son Josh. Actor Paul Bradley said at the time he was "thrilled and honoured" to be back.
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders legend confirms permanent return after 27 years
EASTENDERS actor Karen Henthorn is returning to the soap for the first time since 1998. The soap star is coming back as Nigel Bates' wife Julie amid his dementia battle. 3 Karen Henthorn has rejoined the soap after 27 years Credit: PA 3 Julie and Nigel reunite in scenes to air this week Credit: BBC 3 It doesn't go down well with Phil Mitchell Credit: BBC However, Nigel walked out on her over a year ago without being honest about his diagnosis. Next week, she will go up against Nigel's best pal Phil Mitchell as they row over his care. Karen said: "Even with the Phil situation, Julie knows that as long as she's with Nigel – and he knows how much she loves him – that's what matters. "They are facing a hard road ahead, but they've got each other now. READ MORE ON EASTENDERS "Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she'll go above and beyond to help him. Phil can be as difficult as he wants to Julie, she's not going anywhere." Phil is left furious when Julie reveals she wants to take Nigel back to Scotland with her. "She's really angry because Phil knew where Nigel was all this time, and he could have told Julie," Karen adds. "She doesn't understand why he didn't get in touch with her, and that leads to clashes between them. Most read in Soaps "Also, Julie believes Nigel should have as much support as possible, so she doesn't get why Phil is trying to cut her out." Nigel was seen back on EastEnders for the first time in 27 years when he appeared in the 2024 Christmas Eve episode. EastEnders' Nigel Bates reveals heartbreaking truth about his dementia battle as soap teases another comeback after 27 years The character left the show in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Clare fled Albert Square to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye and her son Josh. Actor Paul Bradley said at the time he was "thrilled and honoured" to be back.
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
London Heathrow's new £10billion airport plans include fewer flight delays and massive central terminal makeover
LONDON Heathrow has revealed its latest multi-billion upgrade plans for the airport. Under a new five year plan for 2027 to 2031, 3 London Heathrow Airport has revealed a new £10billion makeover plan Credit: PA 3 Under a new five year plan for 2027 to 2031, Heathrow Airport is aiming to open a number of new lounges, shops and restaurants Credit: Alamy For passengers this means there will be additional spaces equal to the size of 10 football pitches to explore. And the airport aims to Flight delays may also be reduced with Heathrow setting out to have 80 per cent of its flights depart on time. In the airport passengers may have less wait times too, as the airport hopes to have 95 per cent of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security. Read more on travel inspo Once complete, the airport hopes to be able to serve 10million additional passengers a year. According to the airport, Heathrow is the most punctual major airport in And as the airport continues to grow, it will also focus on becoming more sustainable by doing things such as providing noise insulation to 6,500 homes . Most read in News Travel The airport also aims to work with one million people in the local area with programmes developing skills by 2030. This fee is what airlines have to pay to use the airport - and the airlines then usually pass some of this cost onto passengers as part of ticket prices. With the airport charge remaining low, ticket prices will stay in line with this. Overall, Heathrow hopes these changes will help to get 95 per cent of passengers rating their journey as 'good' or 'excellent'. Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: "We're making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport – having become Europe's most punctual major airport so far this year." Heathrow Airport has also received a 'once-in-a-generation investment' that will see capacity increase in terminals. The plans include increasing the number of aircraft and Proposals for a third runway are due to be submitted this summer too, following support from the chancellor. If plans are approved, Heathrow aims to have the Chancellor supports new runways at two UK airports CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has supported plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport and also backed the full-time use of a second runway at Gatwick Airport. Plans to introduce an additional runway at Heathrow Airport have been debated for decades. Back in June 2018, the UK Parliament voted in favour of introducing a third runway at the airport. The Court of Appeal ruled the government's approval unlawful in 2020 because it did not meet the country's commitments to climate change under the Paris Agreement. Later that year, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling, allowing the project to continue. Reeves' support is part of a wider plan to boost the country's economic growth by increasing airport capacity in the southeast of England. The Chancellor is also set to support the full-time use of a second runway at Gatwick Airport. At present, Gatwick uses its second runway to taxi aircraft and in emergency situations. Plans to bring the second runway into full-time use were submitted in 2023, with transport secretary Heidi Alexander due to make a decision on the plans. A Plus, a 3 Other aims include 80 per cent of flights departing on time and 95 per cent of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Grovelling BBC FINALLY apologises for streaming Bob Vylan's ‘death to IDF' Glasto chant
THE BBC has finally apologised for broadcasting Bob Vylan's "high risk" appearance at Glastonbury. The broadcaster's chairman Samir Shah admitted that the decision to continue streaming the pro-Palestine punk duo after Advertisement 3 The BBC will no longer broadcast performances deemed 'high risk' live Credit: PA 3 BBC chairman Samir Shah admitted the decision was an 'error of judgement' The Beeb admitted Bob Vylan were assessed as "high risk" before their performance at Glastonbury but were "deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations". Singer Bobby Vylan also shouted "from the river to the sea Palestine... will be free" - regarded by Jews as a call for Israel's elimination. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed cops were investigating the performance, as well as controversial Irish rock group Kneecap, after video and audio footage of their sets had been examined. The BBC later took down the broadcast on the iPlayer but has been criticised for not cutting it off immediately after the anti-Semitic chanting, with the live feed continuing for another 40 minutes. Advertisement Read more News In a fresh statement on Thursday, the BBC said: "We fully understand the strength of feeling regarding Bob Vylan's live appearance at Glastonbury on the BBC. "We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. "We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC. "It is clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan's appearance. We think it's important to set out some of the detail around the streaming of this performance. Advertisement Most read in News TV "Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury. Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations. "Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the live stream - through the use of language or content warnings - without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case. "During the performance, the live stream was monitored in line with the agreed compliance protocols and a number of issues were escalated. "Warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions and the editorial team took the decision not to cut the feed. This was an error." Advertisement Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those who slammed the broadcaster and demanded an explanation for the decision to air the horrifying chant during the performance on the West Holts stage. The BBC said from now on music performances deemed high risk will not be broadcast live or streamed live. The statement went on: "The Director-General was subsequently made aware of what had happened and instructed the team that none of the performance should feature in further coverage. "The team prioritised stopping the performance from featuring on demand. This meant that no downloads of Bob Vylan's set were available on iPlayer or Sounds. Advertisement "However, the live feed, which was showing subsequent performances from other acts on the same Glastonbury stage, remained up until it was amended shortly after 8pm while teams worked on a technical solution. "Given the failings that have been acknowledged we are taking actions to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for those failings in the live broadcast. "We will not comment further on those processes at this time. "Furthermore, as a result we will make immediate changes to live streaming music events. Advertisement "Any music performances deemed high risk will now not be broadcast live or streamed live." Bob Vylan - which consists of singer Bobby Vylan and guitarist Bobbie Vylan - then shared a post on X of the former eating an ice-cream with the caption: "While Zionists are crying on socials, I've just had a late night (vegan) ice cream." IDF stands for Israel Defence Forces, the national military of the State of Israel, which is currently involved with the war in Gaza, one of two remaining Palestinian territories. BBC director-general Tim Davie has vowed to take action to "ensure accountability" for those responsible. Advertisement 3 More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at Advertisement
