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Toyah Willcox weighs in on Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s MasterChef sacking after working with the ‘lovely’ presenters on BBC show

BBG News

Toyah Willcox shares her thoughts on the controversy surrounding John Torode and Gregg Wallace’s departure from MasterChef, having collaborated with them previously on the program.

59-year-old Australian culinary expert John, who had worked at the BBC for two decades, was dismissed from his position due to accusations that he employed a racial slur, specifically the N-word. However, he states he has no memory or understanding of this alleged incident.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share my dismay over the news that at the age of 60, our beloved figure, Gregg, has been let go. This decision comes on the heels of more than 40 accusations against him being validated following an extensive investigation by the BBC. The passion and joy he brought to us all will truly be missed.

Currently, Toyah is sharing insights about her experience on Celebrity MasterChef, as well as her interactions with both Gregg and John who have recently departed from the show.

During an appearance on the Spooning With Mark Wogan show, she expressed that working alongside both Gregg and John on MasterChef was a delightful experience. She found them incredibly charming to interact with.

‘I haven’t personally witnessed their alleged actions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they didn’t carry them out. I simply lack direct knowledge, yet my strong advocacy for women’s well-being, particularly in light of Amanda Abbington’s experience, compels me to be cautious and supportive. Balancing this sensitivity with the need to work is a challenge, but…’

Mark, the son of Sir Terry Wogan, responded with: “It seems ironic that expressing support for women could potentially jeopardize one’s continued work, according to what you’ve stated. Is that your impression as well?

For the past 18 months, Amanda’s life has been significantly influenced by the events following her brief stint with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing. This led to an early exit from the show, explained as personal matters.

In July of last year, the actress alleged that he exhibited behavior which was unnecessary, harsh, and unkind towards her. However, Giovanni swiftly refuted these accusations, and a subsequent BBC investigation concluded in September that there was no evidence to support her charges of physical abuse or threatening actions.

The dancer expressed satisfaction since the investigation did not uncover any proof of threatening or aggressive conduct, despite the company’s receipt of complaints about verbal mistreatment and harassment.

Toyah consistently stood by Amanda, and remarked, “During Strictly Come Dancing, I openly expressed my support for Amanda and emphasized she deserved recognition. I’m unsure if this may have affected me while on the show, but it’s impossible to hide or dismiss such sentiments.

‘I strive to learn from past mistakes and contribute to progress, ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself, even as the world continues to evolve around me.’

Mark said: “You gained popularity around the same era as my father did, which was the 70s and 80s. Both of you were well-known figures in households.

This week, with all the news in the papers, an old friend of mine called, asking, “Were your father and I the only normal people at the BBC?” To which I might have replied, “Well, perhaps so!

In the initial season of the revamped program, Toyah advanced to the quarterfinals, but ultimately it was Matt Dawson who triumphed as the champion. He defeated both Roger Black and Hardeep Singh Kohli in the finale, earning him the victory.

Following recent assertions, it is said that John Torode was dismissed from the BBC due to accusations of using a racially offensive term, specifically the N-word, on two occasions while playfully singing along to a Kanye West track.

It has been claimed that the host of MasterChef was once heard singing the popular song “Gold Digger” by a rapper, and it is alleged that he used a racially insensitive term during social drinks approximately six to seven years prior, outside of his professional work environment.

In casual conversation with a colleague from the MasterChef crew, Torode reportedly repeated a certain term, but this individual did not find it offensive.

The Australian-origin chef maintains that he couldn’t remember utilizing a racially charged word during a social gathering with coworkers approximately seven years back.

The person who raised the complaint is understood to have ‘overheard the conversation’.

According to reports, the factory worker is said to have defended Torode and claimed that he employed the racial term merely as an illustration or example. Subsequently, it’s stated that this individual expressed regret for his actions later on.

TopMob has contacted BBC and Torode’s representatives for comment.

In 2018, the witness informed investigators that he expressed regret promptly, felt deeply ashamed (mortified), and did not intend to use the term disrespectfully or as an insult (didn’t use the term as a slur).

According to the BBC, it was decided not to renew Torode’s contract following a report that revealed he had used a highly offensive racial slur during a social gathering following the recording of the program.

In my professional opinion, I’ve chosen not to disclose the specific racial slur in question, as neither the corporation nor Chef Torode have confirmed its use. However, I do want to emphasize that denying an incident does not make it any less important or damaging if it were to occur. It’s crucial for us all to foster a culture of openness and understanding when addressing matters related to racial sensitivity.

However, Richard Osman referred to it as the “most severe racial epithet” and stated regarding the investigation: “They confirmed that this claim was factually accurate. They discovered sufficient evidence that supported this.

According to The Times, two individuals with knowledge of the matter asserted that Torode employed a racial slur, specifically the N-word. For several days, there has been intense discussion on social media platforms suggesting that this was the derogatory term he supposedly utilized.

MasterChef’s longtime judge, Torode, has stepped down following confirmation of his use of racist language. Over a seven-year period, from 2012 to 2019, he faced nine accusations of inappropriate behavior. The investigators found that two of the other eight allegations were unsubstantiated and there was not enough evidence for the remaining six.

A source inside MasterChef headquarters revealed to TopMob on Thursday that there was a sense of relief upon Torode’s departure, as they found him difficult to work with on occasion.

A third source claimed they had found him to be a ‘very rude and patronising man’.

Torode was sacked after being accused of saying the ‘worst racial slur there is’

This week, following his dismissal, Torode expressed in a detailed Instagram post: ‘Though I haven’t received any communication from the BBC or Banijay, it appears I’ve been let go from MasterChef. I want to reiterate that I can’t recall what I’m being accused of.’

Additionally, it was alleged that both the BBC and Banijay requested Torode’s departure from MasterChef due to concerns about his mental wellbeing.

The BBC declined to comment on the claims.

However, it was reported that prior to the announcement on Tuesday, both the BBC and Banijay had discussions with his representatives, but they did not propose his resignation or address any mental health concerns.

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2025-07-24 14:20

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