John Torode reveals he doesn't talk to Gregg Wallace after "stressful" firing from MasterChef

Former MasterChef judge John Torode has reflected on his life and relationship with sacked co-judge Gregg Wallace, saying they don't keep in touch.

In a recent interview with The Times, Torode, who issued a health update on his wife Lisa Faulkner in July, recalled his firing from the cooking show as a "stressful" time.

In 2025, he was sacked from the show following allegations made against him of using racist language. At the time, Torode said he had "no recollection" of the incident.

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Torode's dismissal from the series came shortly after Wallace was dropped by the BBC following claims of inappropriate sexual language and behaviour during his time on MasterChef. 45 out of 83 allegations of unacceptable behaviour against him were upheld in an investigation commissioned by Banijay UK, which produces the show. Wallace denied all claims.

Torode, who stayed on the show for one more season alongside Grace Dent, spoke on his current relationship with Wallace. Previously describing his ex co-judge as "fascinating" and "f**king right out there, let me just say that", Torode said the two of them don't talk.

"When we filmed, we filmed, and when we didn’t, we weren't in touch. Why would it change now?" Torode said.

As for his own sacking, Torode was accused of singing along to the lyrics from the Kanye West song 'Gold Digger', which includes a racist slur, at a 2019 wrap party. The allegations were upheld in a subsequent inquiry, resulting in his firing.

"I watched it very, very infrequently because hearing your own voice is weird," he said of watching MasterChef when he was a judge.

"But right now, I don’t think it's necessary for me to watch it," he continued.

"What I will say is that I love Grace [Dent] and I loved working with her. I want the legacy of MasterChef to survive for the champions and the 2,500 people who walked through those doors and I got the privilege to meet."

MasterChef airs on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).