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John Torode’s financial heartache as TWO firms went bust owing £160k in latest blow – as he ‘plans to take legal action against BBC over MasterChef sacking’

BBG News

As a devoted admirer, I’ve found myself confronted with an unexpected setback after the news broke that my businesses have gone bankrupt, leaving a debt of more than £160,000 to our creditors, following my departure from MasterChef.

The cooking show host, aged 60, intends to file a lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) due to perceived unjust termination, following allegations in a report of using racially offensive language. Torode maintains that he has no recollection of such an incident ever taking place.

Additionally, beyond the public controversy with the broadcaster, TopMob uncovers that Torode has encountered significant financial difficulties. Specifically, over the past six years, two of his television production companies have collapsed, leaving substantial debts behind.

In December 2019, the company known as Marcel Ltd, which had been named after its founder’s son from a past relationship, was officially disbanded following financial collapse approximately three years prior. At that time, the company owed a total of £104,219.

The company was forced into a procedure known as creditors’ voluntary liquidation, which essentially means that due to an inability to pay back its outstanding debts, the business had to be shut down.

Based on the information disclosed in its filing with Companies House, it was indebted to HMRC for £36,388, to trade creditors for £13,950, and to another company owned by Torode, Toad Productions Ltd, for £53,881. All three entities became insolvent simultaneously.

Torode also owed £55k for an overdrawn director’s loan account.

According to the liquidator’s findings, a meeting with Torode and his accountant led to an agreement where Torode would repay £33,348. This was done in monthly installments spanning a period of six months.

Following the payment of approximately £23,000 in liquidator fees, there remained roughly £9,890 to distribute among creditors. This represents about 9.37 pence for every pound owed.

Simultaneously, Toad Productions Limited was liquidated in August 2016, and it was officially disbanded in February 2021.

According to the company’s financial report, it was in debt to HMRC for approximately £3,600 more than what it owed to its trade creditors (£54,603), with a total outstanding amount of about £58,203 to HMRC.

Liquidators clawed back £8.5k, but after paying their fees, there was nothing left for creditors.

This week, the accounts for Caspar 10 Ltd, his current active business, were submitted. Notably, ‘Caspar’ is also the name of his son from his previous marriage to Jessica.

It showed that reserves had increased by £40,132 on the previous year – and now stand at £47,351.

The amount it owes creditors is £93,523.

It was not mentioned that Torode appeared among the top earners listed in the latest BBC payroll, leaving some uncertainty as to the method and location from which he receives his BBC income.

According to TopMob’s report, Torode might consider suing the BBC following his dismissal from MasterChef.

Reports indicate that the chef is planning to file a lawsuit against the BBC, aiming to take action against their superiors due to alleged wrongful termination.

According to sources, The Mirror reports that John claims the alleged remark attributed to him is unsubstantiated. He insists it happened outside of his professional duties, merely rumors. John is adamant about exonerating himself from these allegations.

However, it might be challenging for John to take any legal action since reports suggest that his contract was with Banijay, not the BBC.

The report suggests that the executives behind MasterChef are planning to broadcast Gregg Wallace and Torode’s last series once the situation has calmed down, following their dismissal from the culinary program.

The forthcoming series, previously recorded, includes Grace Dent, a former contestant on “I’m A Celebrity” and restaurant critic, who is now sharing hosting duties with John, as Gregg has stepped down.

According to The Sun, plans are underway for both the amateur and celebrity versions of a show produced by BBC and Banijay to be broadcasted.

As a devoted follower, I’m aware that BBC Director General Tim Davie, who holds the ultimate authority, has not yet declared his stance on whether MasterChef will grace our screens or not.

In my role as a lifestyle expert, I must share some insights about an unexpected predicament that the BBC and Banijay have found themselves in. The situation surrounding both Gregg and Torode has presented a moral and professional conundrum that none of us could foresee. Although Gregg’s case appeared more straightforward, the unfortunate turn of events involving Torode was not the desired or anticipated outcome for anyone involved in the industry.

Meanwhile, since it’s a publicly-funded organization, the BBC holds the responsibility to not only deliver entertainment but also meet its commitments towards cast, crew, competitors, and spectators alike.

If both series are cancelled, many individuals involved in their production – actors and crew alike – would feel deeply disheartened. Currently, there seems to be a general consensus that the shows should continue, at least after any turbulence subsides and the excitement dies down.

TopMob has contacted the BBC for comment. 

The Australian culinary expert was abruptly dismissed from MasterChef – just a few hours following the BBC’s top executive declining to support him regarding accusations of employing racially insensitive language.

The company announced that they wouldn’t extend the host’s contract following a discovery of his use of a highly offensive racial slur in conversation after filming the program.

The report on Gregg’s inappropriate conduct disclosed the criticism aimed at Torode.

Gregg, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld.

On Monday, Torode acknowledged that he was the individual mentioned anonymously in the report, who faced allegations of employing racially offensive language.

Instead, the presenter stated that he couldn’t remember the incident at all and doubted that it actually occurred.

Yesterday, the BBC confirmed that an investigation conducted by the law firm Lewis Silkin found credible evidence supporting a claim involving the use of a highly offensive racial slur within their workplace.

‘The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously.

It is not acceptable for any form of racial slurs to occur, and we have made it clear to Banijay UK, the producers of MasterChef, that appropriate action should be taken. Unfortunately, John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed due to this issue.

Before the announcement, BBC Director General Tim Davie declined to support Torode and stated that he anticipated some form of action would be initiated regarding the accusation.

At the time when the BBC published their yearly report, he presented his speech; however, this event was overshadowed by scandals for the second consecutive year.

The publication from last year emerged during the aftermath of Huw Edwards, a news presenter, admitting to child pornography possession charges.

When questioned about the Torode racism controversy, Tim Davie stated: ‘The BBC, in essence, are straightforward on this matter – if an individual fails to meet our set values, we anticipate the autonomous company, Banijay in this instance, to take appropriate action and keep us informed about their response.’

‘These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.’

Tim added: ‘I think a great programme that’s loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals.

The character or concept could thrive and flourish, but it requires that we find the appropriate setting, taking into account the cultural context of the series.

A source near Torode reportedly asserted that he employed a racially insensitive phrase following their post-filming drinks. According to the observer, Torode instantly expressed remorse, stating he was deeply regretful, and emphasized that he did not intend it as an offensive epithet.

At first, no one voiced any complaints about the incident, however, it was subsequently discussed during the investigation concerning Gregg.

On a Monday, Torode stated that he had “completely forgotten” about the event and was both “surprised and disheartened” by the accusation. He further remarked, “I have no intention of hurting anyone.

In response to his termination, Torode, who is married to actress and previous Celebrity MasterChef competitor Lisa Faulkner, expressed that he had hoped to have some input regarding his departure from a show he’s been involved with since its 2005 relaunch. However, recent events seem to have hindered that possibility.

He enjoyed every moment while working on the show, but now it’s time for someone else to take over.

He noted that life is always evolving and progressing, and at times, our own contentment and satisfaction may be found elsewhere.

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2025-07-17 11:34

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