BREAKING: BBC Director-General Tim Davie OFFICIALLY SPEAKS OUT IN FURY over the dismissal of John Torode (59)!
John Torode has followed Gregg Wallace out of the MasterChef door for allegedly using rac1st language (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Offensive language John Torode allegedly used on MasterChef was a “ser10us rac1st term,” a BBC boss has stressed. Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, said the sl::r was so severe he was not prepared to repeat it when pressed by journalists what exactly Torode is alleged to have used. The presenter was axed from his role on MasterChef last night, after the allegation he used rac1st language was investigated and substantiated by an independent investigation led by a top law firm.
Although he denies the allegations, Torode, 59, follows Gregg Wallace, 60, out of the door, departures which put the future of already recorded celebrity and amateur versions of the BBC show in doubt. But Davie, 58, insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out. Asked exactly what Torode said, Mr Davie last night replied: “I’m not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was ser10us rac1st term, a ser10us rac1st term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.”
Tim Davie, BBC director-general, condemned the sl::r as ‘a ser10us rac1st term’ (Image: PA)
In relation to MasterChef’s future, the BBC boss continued: “I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that’s loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we’ve got to make sure we’re in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.”, reports the Mirror.
Torode and Wallace have been the faces of MasterChef since its relaunch as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005. When Wallace was let go, speculation was rife that Grace Dent would step into his shoes, having filled in for him on Celebrity MasterChef earlier this year.
With Torode now also out of the picture, it’s up in the air who will join Ms Dent, a seasoned food critic with a background in television and journalism.
Last night, Torode maintained he was unaware of the “offensive” remark he is alleged to have made, despite the complaint from 2018 being upheld by lawyers Lewis Silkin. On Tuesday, it came to light that the presenter discovered his sacking via the BBC News website.
John Torode and Gregg Wallace had presented the popular show for 20 years (Image: Daily Mirror)
He alleges that neither the BBC nor the production company behind MasterChef contacted him regarding their decision not to renew his contract after two decades on the show.
Banijay UK, the production company behind the programme, released a statement: “In response to John Torode’s statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.
“The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive rac1st language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.
“This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”
