MasterChef presenter John Torode sacked

MasterChef presenter John Torode will no longer work on the show after an allegation he used an "extremely offensive racist term" was upheld in a report, the BBC has said.

A BBC spokesperson said: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.

"This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.

"John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment."

The spokesperson added: "The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken.

"John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed."

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