A shadow of uncertainty hangs over John Torode’s career as he awaits news about the future of his ITV show, Weekend Kitchen. The popular series, a comforting Sunday staple for viewers since 2019, is rumored to be facing the axe after ten successful seasons.
This potential loss comes on the heels of a deeply unsettling period for the celebrated chef. Just months ago, Torode was dismissed from his long-held position on the BBC’s MasterChef, a show he’d graced alongside Gregg Wallace since 2005. The dismissal followed a serious inquiry into allegations of misconduct.
The inquiry, launched by production company Banijay, investigated claims against both Torode and Wallace. A significant number of allegations leveled against Wallace were upheld – 45 out of 83 – prompting a public apology from the presenter. Wallace even attempted legal action against the BBC, a move that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Torode himself was accused of using deeply offensive language, a claim he vehemently denied, stating he had “no recollection of the incident.” The allegation, stemming from events in 2018 or 2019, left him “shocked and saddened,” and the fallout has clearly taken a toll.
While ITV initially stood by Torode, continuing to air Weekend Kitchen with his wife, Lisa Faulkner, sources now suggest the network is reconsidering its position. Budget cuts and the show’s production costs are reportedly key factors in the looming decision.
Insiders describe Torode as facing a “nervous wait,” acknowledging the blow a cancellation would represent. He’s already proactively navigating the changing landscape, focusing on a new cooking show on YouTube that has garnered positive attention.
The final episode of the tenth series of Weekend Kitchen is scheduled to air this Sunday, adding to the sense of finality. Previously, ITV executives engaged in urgent discussions about whether to continue broadcasting the current season, ultimately deciding to proceed despite the controversy.
The ordeal has prompted Torode to seek therapy, a step he describes as allowing him to move beyond “being brave” and embrace genuine honesty. He’s openly acknowledged that “life has changed forever” for him and those around him.
Despite the turmoil, Torode continues to receive support from within the industry. Celebrity MasterChef host Grace Dent recently praised him as “one of the kindest, most concerned, clever, thoughtful men” she knows, a testament to his character beyond the headlines.
As speculation swirls around potential replacements on MasterChef, Torode is focusing on the present, hoping for a positive outcome with ITV while preparing for whatever the future holds. The coming days will determine whether Weekend Kitchen will return for an eleventh series, or if this beloved show will quietly fade from the screen.
