ITV has revealed that John Torode is returning with a new project, just months after being axed from BBC One’s MasterChef over allegations of using racist language – which he denies
08:26, 28 Nov 2025Updated 09:19, 28 Nov 2025
John Torode is returning with a new show this Christmas(Image: BBC)
ITV has announced that John Torode will be part of its daytime Christmas programming – just months after his MasterChef axe. The TV presenter, 60, was fired from MasterChef in July following a historic accusation of using racist language.
It came to light following an investigation into his co-host Gregg Wallace’s behaviour on set, who was axed from the show just days before. Following the report being published, John confirmed that he was the person alleged to have used racist language but denied it ever happened, stating that he had no memory of the incident.
Despite his exit from the BBC show, ITV has confirmed that he’ll be returning for a Christmas special of his cooking show with wife Lisa Faulkner – John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen. Announcing its Christmas daytime line-up, ITV revealed that the couple will be serving up “a feast of festive inspiration” in John and Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen.
Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen(Image: ITV)
The special marks John’s first new project since his MasterChef firing, having continued to appear on TV in series of the BBC show and John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen that were filmed beforehand. ITV stated in August that it would continue to air John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen despite the controversy.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, ITV’s Management Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, said 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 said. Torode is appearing in the current series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace Dent – who was brought in to replace Gregg Wallace following his firing from the show. It is the final series of MasterChef that was filmed with Torode as a presenter.
John Torode and Grace Dent(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
The ITV daytime Christmas schedule will also see Loose Women join Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and This Morning for the first time ever. The show promised to bring “sparkling surprises, celebrity guests, and some true Loose style festive fun” to the special.
Viewers can also expect 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.
Meanwhile, Mel Giedroyc is narrating a special look at Warwick Castle as it transforms into a winter wonderland in A Warwick Christmas Castle.
Kelvin Fletcher and his farming family are back with a Christmas special of Fletchers’ Family Farm, as well as their own crafting special – Fletcher’s Country Workshop.
ITV Daytime airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
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