BBC Director General Expects Action After Racism Allegations Against MasterChef's John Torode

Tim Davie has refused to back MasterChef's John Torode as the BBC Director General makes clear he ‘expects action to be taken’. The BBC boss confirmed that the cookery show would have a home at the corporation for many years to come, but said that the show was ‘bigger than individuals’ who present it. But Davie said he had yet to make a decision on whether to broadcast the series that Gregg Wallace and John Torode have already filmed.

Torode announced last night that a report into his former co-host, Gregg Wallace, had confirmed a claim that he once used 'racist language'. Asked about the John Torode racism row at the launch of the BBC’s annual report, Davie said: ‘I would say, there has to be follow-up. The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this, if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banjay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.’

But the director general gave the MasterChef programme his backing as he confirmed that it would have a home on the BBC beyond 2028. Tim Davie has refused to back John Torode’s future on MasterChef - as the BBC Director General makes clear he ‘expects action to be taken’. The BBC boss confirmed that the cookery show would have a home at the corporation for many years to come, but said that the show was ‘bigger than individuals’ who present it. Davie said: ‘I absolutely think it does have a future on the BBC beyond 2028. I think a great programme that's well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.’

The BBC chief also said that they had yet to make a decision about what to do with the series of MasterChef that was filmed last Autumn with axed Gregg Wallace and Torode. He said: ‘In terms of the series that is already filmed, I think this is a difficult decision. We need to weigh it up carefully, and we're thinking through things. As editor-in-chief, I think my overwhelming concern is that we've got you know all the amateur chefs that gave their heart and soul to this program and we have to reflect on that. Talk to them, consult them, think about the audience, and then make a call, and that's what we're going through now, that's the process. we're going through now.’

‘I'm not ruling out one way or the other or ruling out not airing it. I just want to go through that process. And then we can quickly make a call.’ It comes as it was claimed today that Torode 'faced multiple allegations' of inappropriate behaviour but only one was upheld that he once used 'racist language'. BBC boss Davie said he had yet to make a decision on whether to broadcast the series that Gregg Wallace and John Torode have already filmed. Torode announced last night that a report into his former co-host, Gregg Wallace, had confirmed a claim that he once used 'racist language'. In a post on Instagram, Torode said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation.

A source close to the 59-year-old claimed he was sharing drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. It is claimed the witness said Torode apologised instantly and 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time, but the incident had been brought up during Wallace's inquiry, the source said. Sources say the BBC and production company Banijay asked Torode to resign last week over the alleged incident but he refused.