MasterChef finalist who 'spent time with John Torode off-screen' breaks silence on axe

TV personality and author Christine Hamilton has branded the BBC's decision to not renew John Torode's contract on MasterChef as "vile". The Australian-born TV chef, 59, was sacked from MasterChef, following an allegation of using racist language that was upheld in a review into the behaviour of co-presenter Gregg Wallace. The BBC confirmed the presenter had been dismissed in a statement, saying his contract had not been renewed. Christine, 72, has now spoken out following her own appearance on the celebrity edition of the show over a decade ago.

Taking to X on Wednesday the former I'm A Celebrity contestant revealed she had spent time with Torode "on and off-screen" describing him as a one of the "kindest guys" she had met before branding the BBC "woke". In view of her 32,300 followers Hamilton penned: "#JohnTorode is one of the nicest, kindest guys I've ever met. As a #Masterchef finalist I've spend a lot of time in his company both on and off screen. His sacking by the vile #BBC is deeply unjust and merely shows how deeply entrenched is their #Wokeism."

Her comments sparked a flurry of messages with many offering their support to Torode as one penned: "He was thrown under the BBC bus of wokeism! Don't know him, not really a fan. But even I can see what has happened. Disgraceful!"

Another echoed: "Wasn't even given a fair hearing was he," while a third argued: "Totally agree with you Christine. I won't watch masterchef ever again."

A fourth penned: "Totally agree. I shall carry on watching him (& Lisa) on ITV."

A fifth wrote: "I will miss him, this feels v unfair."(sic)

Hamilton participated in Series 5 of Celebrity MasterChef, which aired in 2010. She was a finalist in that series.

She later appeared as a guest judge in Series 8 in 2013, alongside past winners and finalists, including Phil Vickery and Emma Kennedy.

Torode confirmed he was the subject of the allegation of using racist language in a statement on Monday but said he had "no recollection of the incident" and was "shocked and saddened" by the report.

The following day it was announced his contract with the BBC would not be renewed.

He then posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday evening, saying: "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."

He went on: "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."

It comes after a report, commissioned by MasterChef production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found 45 out of 83 allegations against his co-host Gregg Wallace accused of inappropriate misconduct were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.