John Torode has been dismissed from his role as a presenter on MasterChef following a substantiated allegation of using an "extremely offensive racist term". This decision comes shortly after his co-host, Gregg Wallace, was also removed from the show due to multiple allegations of misconduct, including inappropriate sexual language.

The BBC confirmed that Torode's contract would not be renewed after an independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin upheld the allegation against him. The investigation was part of a broader inquiry into Wallace's conduct, which revealed 45 upheld allegations against him.

In a statement, the BBC said, "This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation." Torode, who has hosted MasterChef since 2005, expressed his shock and sadness over the allegation, stating he has "no recollection of the incident" and does not believe it occurred. He emphasised that any racial language is "wholly unacceptable in any environment".

The BBC's director-general, Tim Davie, described the allegation against Torode as serious, stating, "We will not tolerate racist language of any kind." He added that the BBC and Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, agreed on the decision to terminate Torode's contract.

Reports suggest that both the BBC and Banijay had requested Torode to step down last week, citing mental health reasons, a request he reportedly declined. Torode acknowledged on Instagram that he was the individual implicated in the allegation, which he claims occurred in a social setting in 2018 or 2019. He stated that the person he was speaking with did not believe the comment was intended maliciously and that he apologised immediately afterwards.

The controversy surrounding MasterChef has intensified following Wallace's dismissal, which followed a seven-month investigation into his behaviour. Wallace has faced numerous allegations, including making inappropriate sexual jokes and unprofessional conduct towards female colleagues. He expressed remorse for any distress caused and acknowledged that his behaviour had changed profoundly since 2018, attributing some of his actions to a late diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

As the BBC navigates this crisis, it remains uncertain what will happen to the episodes of MasterChef that have already been filmed featuring both Torode and Wallace. Davie stated that the show has a future, emphasising that it is "much bigger than individuals".