Torode is latest to leave MasterChef as pressure grows on BBC boss Davie

John Torode will not return to MasterChef after its producers confirmed his contract would not be renewed following an allegation that he used racist language.

- Michael Savage Nadeem Badshah

The Australian-born chef, 59, confirmed last night that he was the subject of an allegation that was upheld as part of an independent inquiry into the behaviour of his former co-presenter Gregg Wallace.

A spokesperson for the show's production company, Banijay UK, said: "Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. The legal team that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.

"This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."

A BBC spokesperson said the allegation against Torode "involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace", which was "investigated and substantiated" by the independent investigation.

"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."