SACKED Masterchef judge John Torode appears to have taken a swipe at the BBC show in a new Instagram post.
It comes after the new judging panel for the hit foodie series – which has been at the centre of scandal following John and co-host Gregg Wallace’s departure – came to light.
Sacked Masterchef judge John Torode appeared to take a cryptic swipe at the BBC show in a mystery Instagram message[/caption]
John and Gregg Wallace were both axed from the BBC series over inappropriate behaviour[/caption]
The former show stars, both 60, had hosted since 2005 but were axed over inappropriate behaviour.
Now, after it was revealed food critic Grace Dent, 51, and chef Anna Waugh, 44, pipped Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing to the coveted culinary roles, John has taken to Instagram.
On his Stories, he uploaded a slide showing his September horoscope for the 7th which read: “The universe is saying to you today a fresh chapter is waiting to unfold in your life.
“The old is closing, and new opportunities are ready to emerge.
“Trust this rebirth, do not cling to doors that have already closed.”
Appearing to give a nod to his time on the show it added: “Step forward with faith and excitement.
“The future is brighter than anything you’ve left behind.”
In his caption added on top, the Aussie chef wrote: “So much to take from this!
“A new chapter and a wonderful world awaiting.”
BBC’s MasterChef meltdown
- Host John Torode was asked to step down by the BBC after he was accused of racism
- Read John Torode’s explosive statement in full
- Look at Torode’s emotional comment after sacking
- His shamed co-host Gregg Wallace attacked the broadcaster, saying there will be “more casualties”.
- BBC Director General Tim Davie broke his silence on the future of the cooking show
- Clemmie Moodie’s verdict on the BBC ‘witch-hunt’ against the MasterChef stars
ALL CHANGE
The new line-up for both MasterChef and the professionals spin off came to light this weekend.
A TV source revealed of Grace and Anna’s hosting roles: “It’s really exciting that two women are judging the show, especially as, historically, it’s been dominated by men, but coming to the decision hasn’t been easy.
“Grace and Anna have brilliant chemistry.
MasterChef facts
MASTERCHEF has been a staple BBC series for years – but what are the key details?
- MasterChef launched on BBC One back in 1990
- It ran until 2001, then was revived in 2005 as MasterChef Goes Large
- John Torode joined the revamped series in 2005, where he teamed up with Gregg Wallace as hosts
- Controversial moments? In March 2018, Gregg refused to judge Zaleha Kadir Olpin’s stewed chicken rendang dish as he claimed it was ‘not crispy enough and could not be eaten.’
“They know it’s a big responsibility and can’t wait to deliver for the fans.”
Sources said Tom Kerridge was ruled out because his M&S ad commitments clashed with BBC guidelines.
Dubliner Anna, a regular guest and a judge for the 2022 professionals series, took over from shamed Wallace for the final episodes of the most recent season.
She runs Myrtle Restaurant and The Wee Sister wine bar in London.
Grace has filmed Celebrity Masterchef with John before his exit. It has yet to air.
The BBC also announced Matt Tebbutt replaces Gregg on MasterChef: The Professionals.
Fans were quick to express their delight at the Saturday Kitchen anchor’s plum new role.
SHOW SCANDAL
Long-time presenters Gregg and John were both axed from presenting future series.
A report revealed more than 40 historic complaints against Gregg had been upheld, along with a claim that John once used a racist term.
John confirmed to The Sun it referred to him, but said: “I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.”
A BBC spokesperson then confirmed Torode is axed from the show.
A 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 Beeb has decided to go ahead with airing the new season of MasterChef, which features Gregg and John as hosts, because it was recorded before the report was commissioned.
The Aussie chef’s horoscope promised him ‘a fresh chapter is waiting’[/caption]
Grace Dent will take over John’s hosting role[/caption]
She will front the BBC series alongside Anna Haugh[/caption]