John Torode will not return to MasterChef after using "extremely offensive racist term"

Torode had previously confirmed that he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language, upheld as part of an inquiry into separate allegations against his co-host Gregg Wallace.

In an Instagram post yesterday (14th July), Torode said he had "no recollection" of the alleged incident, adding: "I do not believe that it happened."

Following the news today, Torode wrote on Instagram: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of.

"The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that."

The BBC's full statement read: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.

"John Torode denies 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."

The BBC previously released a statement confirming that it had no plans to work with Gregg Wallace again in future, following the publication of a report investigating his own conduct.

The investigation was ordered by MasterChef's production company Banijay and carried out by Lewis Silkin, after BBC News reported last year that 13 individuals had made allegations of historical misconduct against Wallace, with "inappropriate sexual comments" made over a 17-year period covering five different programmes.

The subsequent report stated that there were 83 historical allegations of misconduct made against Wallace in total, and 45 of them were substantiated.

The majority of the substantiated claims related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, but one of unwelcome physical contact and another of being in a state of undress were also upheld.

Last week before the report was published, Wallace apologised for using "inappropriate" language, but said that the report cleared him of "the most serious and sensational allegations".

Grace Dent was announced as Wallace's replacement on Celebrity MasterChef for episodes originally set to air later this year – the BBC confirmed to RadioTimes.com that no decision has yet been made as to whether these episodes will still air following the decision to also part ways with Torode.

In his Instagram post today, Torode went on to say: "Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.

"Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards.

'My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere.

"Thank you for the many years of MasterChef."

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