Showbiz News
-
-
-
Loading
Loading
ITV has thrown its support behind TV chef John Torode, confirming he will remain on air with his long-running cookery show despite his high-profile exit from BBC’s MasterChef.
The Australian-born chef, 58, was reportedly dropped from the hit BBC series earlier this month after an allegation of racism surfaced, though Torode has not publicly commented on the claim.
However, ITV insiders have said they have no plans to pull his popular weekend programme, John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, which he co-hosts with wife and actress Lisa Faulkner.
A source told the Daily Mail:
“There is no change to the ITV schedule and John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen will be broadcast as usual and will continue to air for the next three weeks.”
The show, now in its 10th series, airs on Saturday mornings at 11.40am on ITV1, and remains a firm favourite with viewers thanks to its approachable recipes and warm chemistry between the married hosts.
Christmas plans also in place
ITV’s backing doesn’t end with the summer series. It’s understood that the broadcaster already has plans to bring John and Lisa back for a festive edition of the programme later this year.
The source added:
“Plans are in place to welcome John and Lisa back with John & Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen in December.”
That confirmation will be welcome news to Torode’s fans, many of whom have expressed support for him on social media in the wake of his BBC departure.
One viewer wrote on Facebook:
“Absolutely love John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, ITV have made the right call keeping it on.”
From MasterChef to morning favourite
Torode, who first became a household name when he joined MasterChef in 2005 alongside Gregg Wallace, has built a loyal following thanks to his straight-talking but affable personality.
He met wife Lisa when she appeared on Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, she went on to win the series, and the pair later married in 2019.
Together, they launched John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen that same year, and it quickly became a staple of ITV’s weekend schedule.
Lisa, who has enjoyed a successful acting career on shows including Holby City and EastEnders, has yet to comment publicly on her husband’s BBC exit, but the couple appeared in good spirits on last week’s programme.
Looking ahead
For now, Torode seems to be focusing on what he does best, cooking, and ITV’s continued support suggests he will remain a familiar face on British television for the foreseeable future.
