SACKED MasterChef host John Torode has revealed he is in therapy to deal with the “grief” of being axed.
The 60-year-old was fired by the amid a row five months ago.
Sacked MasterChef host John Torode has revealed he is in therapy to deal with the ‘grief’ of being axed – the star is pictured here with his wife Lisa FaulknerCredit: Refer to source
John, 60, says therapy has helped him cope with the ‘unexpected and brutal life change’Credit: Rex Features
John – pictured here with former Masterchef co-host Gregg Wallace – was sacked after 21 years after the BBC upheld a complaint he had used ‘an extremely offensive racist term’ during productionCredit: PA
In an online post, said he has struggled to openly share his thoughts over the scandal but is finding it easier to open up with time.
He said: “Therapy has entitled me to no longer ‘be brave’ but instead be real.”
His exit came months after co-host left the show amid
Ex-MasterChef judge John says therapy has helped him cope with the “unexpected and brutal life change”.
after 21 years in July after the BBC upheld a complaint he had used “an ” during production, which he denies.
In his online newsletter, the Aussie chef and critic now admits he has done months of soul searching and had therapy to help him over the shock.
He said there have been lots of “ups and downs, good and bad, highs and lows” but said “things can change”, expressing gratitude for his “incredible life”.
Writing in A View From The Fridge, he revealed: “Therapy over the past few months has entitled me to no longer ‘be brave’ but instead be real.
“Fear is the instinct that keeps us alive, but should grief and fear meet each other I wonder how much damage it can do when we decide to shut it away, shut it down and not let it flow as it should.”
He admitted struggling to openly share his thoughts over the scandal, but said he was finding it easier to open up as time passes.
He added: “I have tried to set myself a schedule to write a new newsletter each week, finding a rhythm, in my tumultuous physical, illogical and physiological state of mind, has not been easy.
“What is becoming easier is being able to talk and to vocalise how I feel as I come to terms with the past five months and the impact it has had.
“Life has changed for ever for me and for those close to me.
“There is no sympathy searching here, just honesty.”
Also in his November 30 post, Torode wrote: “Each newsletter, I get a little braver.
“Over the past few months, I have been honest, following on from what was a very unexpected and brutal life change.
“So, thank you for supporting my newsletter and allowing me to get it out.”
Torode’s exit came months after co-host amid complaints about his behaviour, including .
During his time off, Torode made a recent work trip to .
‘True hurt and sadness’
He said he had travelled 6,210 miles in the past ten days and enjoyed the warm, blue skies of the and in the sea — but missed wife and their schnauzer Rory.
Torode revealed he had slept in the desert, staying in a luxury resort called The Outpost Al Barari, posting a mirror selfie from his tent’s bathroom.
The Aussie chef and food critic now admits he has done months of soul searching, above with wife LisaCredit: Getty – Contributor
John pictured on a recent Qatar break against a dramatic desert backdrop
He wrote: “Dinner in the desert consisted of sitting on top of a sand dune and watching the sunset whilst feasting on flat breads, hummus, eggplant and yoghurt.
“So what a week, what an adventure, what an incredible experience, what a fortunate life.
“Work as a word may sound like a chore but it never has been for me.
“Doing so much that I love, and eating food, wanting to understand different cultures is what I revel in.”
Posting a photo of himself against a dramatic desert backdrop, he added: “So travelling across the world to ‘work’ is in no way a chore but a privilege.
“So good to be back at work.”
Torode said the trip was the first time he’s dealt with his MasterChef exit without his wife at his side.
Being away from Lisa has meant facing my grief alone and it has been cathartic but at times really tough
He explained: “Being away from Lisa has meant facing my grief alone and it has been cathartic but at times really tough.
“This week I can proudly say that I have allowed the true hurt and sadness to flow through me without resistance.
“Usually, being so positive and of a mind that dictates ‘just get on with it’.
“Sitting quietly letting my true feeling be felt rather than putting them into exile has been a revelation.”
recently released its promo for John and Lisa’s Kitchen show.
Last month returned with a new line-up of stars — and Torode’s inclusion raised a few eyebrows.
The BBC later clarified that the show had been filmed a year earlier, before Torode got the boot.
Announcing his exit in July, a BBC spokesman explained: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
“This allegation was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation.
“John denies the allegation.
“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe it happened.”
‘Huge shock’
A source close to Torode said last night: “Twenty-one years is a long time to do a show and within 48 hours he realised he was no longer doing that.
“It was a huge shock.
“Gregg faced a more drawn-out, lengthy process, so had time to digest what was happening.
“John got told he’s chopped liver virtually overnight.
“He is now picking up the pieces and re-assembling his life.”
The source said Torode had filmed food and travel content for Qatar Airways, adding: “He’s getting back on the horse and finding a bit of freedom for himself.
“Of course he misses MasterChef, but he’s adapting and looking forward to the New Year.”
Other projects are in the pipeline including a book called John and Lisa’s Weeknight Meals.
The couple will launch a channel called John and Lisa’s Kitchen and Home, most of which will be filmed at their North house.
Torode has a crockery and cookware range out next year and will be back on stage at the Good Food Show in .
Torode with co-host Gregg Wallace, who stepped away amid complaints about his behaviour including off-colour sexual remarksCredit: BBC/Shine TV Exit while co-host Wallace probed
By
JOHN Torode was sacked from the BBC’s flagship cooking show MasterChef in July this year.
A probe upheld a serious complaint that he used an “extremely offensive racist term” in Kanye West’s Gold Digger rap while on set in 2018.
Co-host Gregg Wallace quit in November 2024 after alleged inappropriate behaviour, sexual language and unwanted physical contact.
More than half of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated.
He denied the claims and said accusations had come from “middle-class women of a certain age” — prompting backlash.
The BBC sacked Wallace in July this year.
He said he recognised that some of his humour and language was inappropriate at times and apologised, saying that he was deeply sorry for any hurt caused.
He also said that a late autism diagnosis had “helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived”, adding: “I’m still learning.”
The Beeb apologised to all those affected.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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