While this series of Celebrity MasterChef is the last one for John Torode, he will be back on TV screens this Christmas
John Torode is currently on Celebrity MasterChef with Grace Dent but it’s his last series(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
ITV has revealed that John Torode will feature in its daytime Christmas schedule – just months after his departure from MasterChef.
The television presenter, 60, was dismissed from MasterChef in July after a historical allegation of using racist language emerged – although he can be currently seen in the pre-recorded new series of Celebrity MasterChef.
This came to light during an investigation into his co-presenter Gregg Wallace’s conduct on set and he was removed from the programme just days earlier. After the report’s publication, Torode acknowledged he was the individual allegedly involved but refuted the claims, insisting he had no recollection of such an incident.
Despite leaving the BBC programme, ITV has confirmed his return for a Christmas special of his cookery show with spouse Lisa Faulkner – John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen. In announcing its festive daytime schedule, ITV disclosed that the pair will deliver “a feast of festive inspiration” in John and Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen.
John Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner have their own ITV series(Image: ITV)READ MORE: BBC Celebrity MasterChef viewers say same thing as Grace Dent makes judging debutREAD MORE: Celebrity MasterChef’s Michelle Heaton ‘absolutely gutted’ after on-air disaster
This special represents Torode’s first fresh project since his MasterChef dismissal, having previously appeared on John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen episodes recorded earlier. ITV declared in August it would maintain broadcasting John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen despite the surrounding controversy.
At the Edinburgh TV Festival, ITV’s Management Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, explained that he “felt it was a bit much for us to jump on the bandwagon and just deny these shows to go out”.
“We asked the producers if they had heard of any incidences and they said no,” he stated, reports the Mirror.
Torode is currently featuring in the latest series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace Dent – who was brought in to replace Wallace after his dismissal from the programme. This is the final series of MasterChef that was filmed with Torode as a presenter.
The ITV daytime Christmas schedule will also welcome Loose Women to join Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and This Morning for the first time ever. The show has promised to deliver “sparkling surprises, celebrity guests, and some true Loose style festive fun” for the special.
John Torode will no longer be appearing on MasterChef(Image: BBC)
Audiences can also look forward to special episodes of James Martin’s Christmas Day, Sara Davies’ Christmas Craft Off, Love Your Christmas with Alan Titchmarsh and James Martin’s Saturday Morning at Christmas.
In addition, Mel Giedroyc is providing the narration for a special glimpse at Warwick Castle as it transforms into a winter wonderland in A Warwick Christmas Castle.
Kelvin Fletcher and his farming family are returning with a Christmas special of Fletchers’ Family Farm, as well as their own crafting special – Fletcher’s Country Workshop.
Celebrity MasterChef is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
