MasterChef Torode: I had no idea I was being axed

Star fired for using 'extremely racist term'

- By Rebecca Perring

JOHN Torode has been sacked as MasterChef presenter after the BBC upheld an allegation he used an "extremely offensive racist term".

But in a defiant statement the star, 59, said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay I am seeing and reading that I've been sacked from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of.

"The enquiry could not even state the date or year of what I am meant to have said something wrong."

It comes days after his co-host Gregg Wallace was fired from the show after 40 allegations against him were also upheld as part of an inquiry into his conduct.

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