ITV is standing by presenter John Torode despite his sacking from the BBC’s MasterChef over racism allegations.
Bosses have decided they will broadcast the tenth series of the Australian chef’s show with wife Lisa Faulkner, John and Lisa’s
Weekend Kitchen is scheduled on Saturday.
ITV sources told the Mail the decision followed ‘frantic crisis talks’ on Tuesday night following news of John's removal from MasterChef.
An ITV source said: ‘There was much talk about what to do given the dramatic handling of John by the BBC. But ITV has never had any issues with John or received complaints about his behaviour.
‘There will be no change to the ITV schedule.’ The BBC said Torode’s contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an ‘extremely offensive racist term’ during drinks after filming the show.
The complaint against him was revealed in a report into co-presenter Gregg Wallace’s inappropriate behaviour. Wallace, 60, was
sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld Torode, 59, said he had ‘no recollection’ of the incident and did
‘not believe that it happened’.
Meanwhile, his former co-host Gregg Wallace has since apologised for any distress caused and 'never set out to harm or humiliate' anyone.
Late last year, Gregge found himself in hot water with a series of people coming forward about inappropriate behaviour on set, with a recent report holding up 45 of 83 allegations made against him.
The star, in a statement to PA agency said 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait.
He finished by stating 'None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching by have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.'
