John Torode has made a rare return to the spotlight following his MasterChef axe as he shared an update on Instagram just days after it emerged the BBC faced mounting calls to withdraw the upcoming series of the cooking competition.
Broadcasting union Bectu’s leader Philippa Childs has urged the corporation to reconsider airing the programme, warning it could cause distress to staff members who filed complaints against Gregg Wallace and Torode.
The controversy erupted after an independent investigation substantiated 45 allegations against Wallace, including inappropriate sexual remarks and unwelcome physical contact.
Torode was dismissed following confirmation he used “an extremely offensive racist term” in 2018.
Despite terminating both presenters’ contracts, the BBC announced its intention to broadcast the series filmed last year, citing widespread backing from participants.
The decision has sparked fierce debate about whether screening the programme sends the wrong message about workplace misconduct.
Despite the debate dominating headlines, Torode returned to Instagram for the first time in weeks with an upbeat update to mark the start of the week.
The 59-year-old posted a video of his and wife Lisa Faulkner’s pet dog on a walk as he enjoyed some downtime.
In the accompanying caption, Torode ignored the drama and noise surrounding the new series of MasterChef. “Good morning, a new day, new week, new month,” he penned alongside a praying emoji.
His update came just hours after his wife Faulkner also dodged mentioning the ongoing saga surrounding her husband’s former job.
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Instead, Faulkner made a rare return to social media with a smiley selfie confirming she was off to work on a new, unnamed on-screen project.
The pair’s break of cover comes days after union leader, Childs, warned that employees who raised concerns about the presenters’ conduct could experience legitimate distress seeing the programme broadcast multiple times weekly over the coming months.
She emphasised that whilst the BBC consulted contestants, there appeared to be no engagement with complainants – freelance workers who took the difficult decision to speak out.
“Broadcasters should not reward bad behaviour with prime-time coverage,” Childs told the BBC, highlighting that those whose complaints were substantiated would “undoubtedly be triggered” by the screening decision.
Former production staff have echoed these concerns. One worker who alleged Wallace groped her stated the broadcaster demonstrated “blatant disregard” for whistleblowers.
Another employee, who claimed Wallace exposed himself in her presence, described the broadcast decision as “profoundly disrespectful” to those who came forward.
Contestant Sarah Shafi has revealed she was removed from the forthcoming series after urging producers to cancel the broadcast out of respect for those who filed complaints.
The Leeds-based leadership development professional told The Guardian that powerful figures had been “abusing their power” and questioned what message this sent to women.
During a Good Morning Britain appearance, Shafi disclosed feeling uncomfortable around presenters during filming. “I’m an older woman and a woman of that certain age, and I can kind of spot that creep,” she stated, referencing Wallace’s controversial remarks about complainants.
She also told Newsnight she had been “eyed up and ogled” by Wallace, who made a “throwaway comment” about his reputation with women.
Shafi confirmed she reported feeling uncomfortable within days of filming, despite Banijay stating they found no evidence in the footage.
The BBC maintains its decision followed “careful consideration and consultation with the contestants”, acknowledging the choice hadn’t been straightforward given the circumstances.
The corporation stated that whilst appreciating not all would support the move, they believed screening the series was appropriate for participants who had invested significantly in the competition.
“We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series,” the BBC said, emphasising that broadcasting didn’t diminish their view of the serious findings against both presenters.