John Torode has stated that he no longer talks to former MasterChef co-presenter Greg Wallace – claiming that the pair’s relationship was exclusively professional.
Wallace, 61, was sacked from the BBC’s long-running culinary TV series in July 2025, after an independent review substantiated 45 claims of misconduct against him. (A further 38 claims were not proven.)
Shortly after, Torode departed the franchise, amid allegations that he had used racist language; it was later reported that the claims – which were upheld – related to a wrap party in 2019, when Torode sang along to the track “Gold Digger” by Kanye West.
In a new interview with The Times, Torode described the period of the firing as “stressful”, opening up about his life post-MasterChef, and the YouTube cooking show he now hosts with his wife, actor and presenter Lisa Faulkner.
Asked about Wallace, Torode claimed that he no longer has any interactions with his former presenting partner.
“When we filmed, we filmed and when we didn’t, we weren’t in touch. Why would it change now?” the Australian star, 61, said.
The comment echoes what Torode said about the pair’s relationship while MasterChef was still on the air. During an appearance on the BBC radio series Desert Island Discs, Torode stated: “[Wallace is] a friend, don't get me wrong, but I don't go to the pub with him, we've both not been to each other's houses... we just don't do it.”
When news first broke of the allegations against Wallace, Torode issued a statement describing the claims as “truly upsetting”, adding: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.”
MasterChef is still ongoing on BBC One, with Wallace and Torode having been replaced by the pairing of Grace Dent and Anna Haugh.
In his interview with The TImes, Torode claimed that he does not currently watch the show – having refrained from watching it even during his tenure as presenter – though praised food critic Dent, with whom he worked on Celebrity MasterChef.
“I watched MasterChef very, very infrequently because hearing your own voice is weird,” Torode claimed. “But right now, I don’t think it’s necessary for me to watch it. What I will say is that I love Grace 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.”
