Television chef John Torode is making his comeback to screens with a festive edition of his ITV cookery programme alongside wife Lisa Faulkner, several months following his axe from MasterChef.
The broadcaster has revealed that the 60-year-old presenter will feature in its Christmas daytime schedule, presenting a holiday-themed version of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen.
This represents Mr Torode’s initial fresh television venture since his dismissal from the BBC cookery competition in July, when allegations emerged regarding his purported use of racist language.
The announcement positions the Christmas programme as offering viewers seasonal cooking ideas and festive meal suggestions.
John Torode and Gregg Wallace were axed from BBC MasterChef this year
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BBC
Whilst Mr Torode has remained visible on television through previously recorded episodes of both MasterChef and his ITV programme, this special edition signifies his first newly commissioned work post-controversy.
The presenter’s removal from MasterChef occurred after an inquiry into fellow host Gregg Wallace’s conduct revealed the allegation against Mr Torode.
Mr Wallace had been dismissed from the programme mere days earlier.
When the investigation’s findings became public, Mr Torode acknowledged being the individual accused of employing discriminatory terminology but refuted the claim, asserting he possessed no recollection of any such occurrence.
Lisa Faulkner and John Torode will both star in the ITV show
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GETTY
The accusation was characterised as historical in nature and emerged during the broader examination of workplace behaviour on the programme.
His departure from the long-running BBC cookery competition came after years of presenting alongside Mr Wallace, marking a significant shift for the programme that had established both as household names in British television cooking shows.
The network chose to proceed with broadcasting the cookery programme in August, despite the surrounding controversy.
Speaking at the Edinburgh Television Festival, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo explained the decision, stating he “felt it was a bit much for us to jump on the bandwagon and just deny these shows to go out”.
John Torode will make his TV return alongside wife Lisa Faulkner
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GETTY
Lygo revealed that the network had conducted its own inquiries, adding: “We asked the producers if they had heard of any incidences and they said no.”
The decision meant that episodes of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen filmed prior to the MasterChef controversy would continue to air as scheduled.
This approach contrasted with how some broadcasters have handled similar situations, where programmes featuring controversial figures have been pulled from schedules entirely.
The presenter continues to appear in the ongoing Celebrity MasterChef series alongside Grace Dent, who replaced Wallace for the programme.
John Torode will feature in ITV’s Christmas daytime schedule
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PA
This represents the final instalment of MasterChef recorded with Mr Torode in his presenting role.
The Christmas special forms part of ITV’s broader festive daytime programming, which includes seasonal editions of various shows. Loose Women will broadcast on Christmas Day for the first time, joining the network’s regular morning programmes.
Additional holiday programming features James Martin’s Christmas Day, Sara Davies’ Christmas Craft Off, and Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Christmas.
Mel Giedroyc will provide narration for A Warwick Christmas Castle, whilst Kelvin Fletcher returns with both a festive farming special and a crafting programme.