John Torode and Gregg Wallace have been friends and co-presenters on MasterChef for years, with the former’s wife Lisa Faulkner once opening up about their close bond
John Torode’s other half, Lisa Faulkner, spoke out on her husband’s tight-knit relationship with Gregg Wallace just months before a bombshell of serious allegations hit the telly duo.
The dynamic pairing of John Torode and Gregg Wallace, known for their banter on MasterChef, faced a shocking twist as allegations against Wallace were confirmed, with a racism claim later targeting Torode.
Since taking over MasterChef in 2005, Torode and Wallace have been the faces of the show, known for putting contestants through their paces in the kitchen until one emerged victorious.
Chatting with The Times last August, Lisa Faulkner opened up about the pair’s bromance, noting how they had even started mirroring each other’s mannerisms: “I think what John and Gregg [Wallace] have on MasterChef is just brilliant.”
She added: “When someone messes up a sauce, the way they look at each other! And if a contestant is slow getting their plates out, they both twitch in exactly the same way. I honestly think they are one of the great TV couples.”
She jokingly commented: “I’m not even sure we have that,” whilst discussing the apparently solid bond between Wallace and Torode, which she hinted might exceed the relationship she shares with her own spouse.
Meanwhile, despite John’s recent departure from the BBC, his ITV commitments are set to carry on.
The Daily Mirror revealed earlier today that the forthcoming instalment of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen is due to broadcast on the channel this Saturday (July 19).
An independent investigation by Lewis Silkin upheld 45 complaints against Gregg Wallace, including one case of “unwelcome physical contact” and three incidents where he was discovered in a state of undress.
After confirmation that over 40 complaints were validated, Wallace voiced his remorse, declaring he was “deeply sorry for any distress” his behaviour may have triggered.
Furthermore, Lewis Silkin verified one allegation of racism against Torode.
Torode has maintained that he had “no recollection of the incident” and felt “shocked and saddened” by the accusation.
A BBC spokesperson declared: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
“The complaint – which involved the use of a highly offensive racist term in the workplace – was investigated and corroborated by the independent probe conducted by the law firm Lewis Silkin. John Torode has refuted the allegation.
“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk