For nearly 20 years, John Torode has been the calm, discerning palate of MasterChef UK — the judge who tastes, nods, and delivers a verdict. But the 2024–2025 scandal surrounding co-judge Gregg Wallace has thrown the show into turmoil, and Torode finds himself caught in the fallout.
Full Name: John Douglas Torode ·
Born: 23 July 1965 (age 59) ·
Nationality: Australian / British ·
Occupation: Chef, Television Presenter ·
Spouse: Lisa Faulkner (m. 2019) ·
Known For: MasterChef UK Judge (since 2005)
Quick snapshot
- Born 23 July 1965 in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia)
- Judge on MasterChef UK since 2005 (Wikipedia)
- Married to Lisa Faulkner in 2019 (HELLO! Magazine)
- Received MBE for services to food and broadcasting in 2020 (Wikipedia)
- Whether Torode will continue indefinitely on MasterChef amid the crisis
- The exact nature of his personal relationship with Gregg Wallace
- Full extent of Penny Lancaster’s claims against Wallace
- John Torode’s net worth and specific financial details
- November 2024: Wallace steps back from MasterChef after allegations (BBC News)
- July 2025: Investigation substantiates 45 allegations against Wallace (The Independent)
- July 2025: BBC says Wallace’s return is ‘untenable’ (BBC News)
- BBC faces dilemma over airing pre-recorded 2024 series with Wallace (BBC News)
- Grace Dent has replaced Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef (Wikipedia)
- Torode’s future on the show depends on the investigation outcome (BBC News)
Eight key facts about John Torode, drawn from the most reliable sources available.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | John Douglas Torode |
| Date of Birth | 23 July 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian / British |
| Occupation | Chef, Television Presenter, Author |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Spouse | Lisa Faulkner (2019–present) |
| Notable TV Shows | MasterChef UK, Junior MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef |
What is John Torode doing now?
John Torode remains a judge on MasterChef UK, but the show’s production has been paused since November 2024 after allegations against co-judge Gregg Wallace became public. An independent investigation commissioned by Banijay UK (the production company) examined the claims. Torode has not been accused of similar misconduct, though The Independent (UK news outlet) reported that an allegation of offensive racist language against him was upheld in the same investigation.
What restaurants does John Torode own?
- Smiths of Smithfield – opened in 2009, located in London’s Smithfield Market (Wikipedia)
- The Luxe – a restaurant in Brisbane, Australia (Wikipedia)
- Previous ventures: Cantina, Real Food Kitchen (both closed)
Torode has also published a cookbook, Sydney to Seoul (2023), and maintains an active presence on Instagram (his personal account) and Twitter (X) where he shares daily life and recipes.
Torode’s professional life is in limbo — his flagship restaurant continues, but his television career faces an uncertain future. The investigation’s finding against him adds a layer of complexity.
The pattern: Torode is trying to maintain normalcy — running restaurants, posting on social media — while the BBC decides whether MasterChef can continue with him as a judge.
Are Lisa and John together?
Yes. John Torode married actress and chef Lisa Faulkner in 2019. The couple met on the set of Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, where Faulkner was a contestant. They live in Hastings, East Sussex, with Faulkner’s daughter from her previous marriage to actor Chris Coghill (2005–2009).
Torode was born in 1965, Faulkner in 1972 — a 7-year age gap. They have no children together. Faulkner has spoken warmly about their relationship in interviews, telling HELLO! Magazine (celebrity and lifestyle publication) that she and Torode support each other through the current crisis.
What is the age difference between John and Lisa?
John Torode (born 23 July 1965) is 7 years older than Lisa Faulkner (born 19 February 1972).
Has Lisa Faulkner been married before?
Yes, she was married to actor Chris Coghill from 2005 to 2009. They have a daughter together.
What this means: The couple’s relationship appears solid, and they have publicly presented a united front during the MasterChef crisis.
Were Torode and Wallace not friends?
Torode and Wallace co-judged MasterChef UK for nearly 20 years, from 2005 to 2024. In interviews, both expressed mutual respect, though occasional rumors of tension surfaced. The 2024 crisis dramatically altered their professional relationship. LBC (UK radio news station) reported that Wallace unfollowed Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner on social media after Torode did not publicly support him.
Torode described the situation as “truly upsetting” in a statement to HELLO! Magazine, adding that he could not comment further while the investigation was ongoing.
The implication: The long-standing on-screen partnership has fractured. Whether it was ever a close friendship remains unclear, but the public silence speaks volumes.
What did Gregg Wallace do to Penny Lancaster?
Penny Lancaster, the wife of rock star Rod Stewart and a former Loose Women panellist, accused Gregg Wallace of bullying and making sexualised comments during MasterChef filming. She said Wallace intimidated and distressed people on set, according to BBC News (UK public broadcaster).
Wallace stepped away from his MasterChef duties in November 2024 pending an investigation. The BBC later pulled MasterChef Christmas specials from the schedule, as reported by LBC. John Torode has not been personally accused by Lancaster and continues to work on other projects.
In July 2025, The Independent reported that more than half of the 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, and that the BBC said his return to MasterChef was “untenable”.
While Wallace faces the most serious claims, the investigation also upheld an allegation against Torode — a reminder that the crisis has touched everyone connected to the show.
Why this matters: The MasterChef brand, built on warmth and authority, now faces a credibility crisis. The BBC’s handling of the investigation will determine whether the show can recover.
Who was the famous chef that committed suicide?
This question, often asked in relation to chef tragedies, refers to Anthony Bourdain. The globally renowned chef, author, and travel documentarian died by suicide in June 2018. His death sent shockwaves through the culinary world. Wikipedia (general reference work) provides a comprehensive account of his life and legacy.
Which famous female chef drank wine?
Julia Child, the American chef who popularised French cuisine through her TV show The French Chef, was known for enjoying wine on camera. Her relaxed, unpretentious style made her a beloved figure.
Who was the chef who drank while cooking?
This question commonly refers to Julia Child’s on-screen habit of sipping wine while demonstrating recipes. It became a signature of her warmth and approachability.
The pattern: These questions reflect a public fascination with the personal lives and struggles of famous chefs — a reminder that the culinary world is as human as any other.
Timeline: John Torode’s Career and the MasterChef Crisis
- 23 July 1965 – Born in Melbourne, Australia.
- 1987 – Started professional cooking career at age 22.
- 1990s – Moved to the UK and worked under various chefs.
- 2005 – Became a judge on the revived MasterChef UK, alongside Gregg Wallace.
- 2009 – Opened Smiths of Smithfield restaurant in London.
- 2010 – Met Lisa Faulkner on the set of Celebrity MasterChef.
- 2019 – Married Lisa Faulkner at a ceremony in London.
- 2020 – Awarded MBE for services to food and broadcasting.
- 2023 – Published cookbook ‘Sydney to Seoul’.
- November 2024 – Gregg Wallace stepped back from MasterChef after allegations of inappropriate behaviour (BBC News).
- December 2024 – BBC pulls MasterChef Christmas specials; Grace Dent replaces Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef.
- July 2025 – Investigation substantiates 45 allegations against Wallace; BBC says his return is “untenable” (The Independent).
- July 2025 – Both Wallace and Torode reportedly sacked (The Independent).
The pattern: The timeline shows how quickly the crisis escalated from initial allegations to the possible end of an era.
What’s confirmed, what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- John Torode’s date and place of birth (23 July 1965, Melbourne)
- His marriage to Lisa Faulkner in 2019
- His ongoing role as MasterChef judge as of late 2024
- Ownership of Smiths of Smithfield restaurant
- Publication of ‘Sydney to Seoul’ cookbook in 2023
- Receipt of MBE in 2020
What’s unclear
- The exact nature of Torode and Wallace’s personal relationship (friends vs. co-workers)
- Whether Torode will continue indefinitely on MasterChef amid the crisis
- The full extent of Penny Lancaster’s claims against Wallace
- John Torode’s net worth and specific financial details
The implication: The confirmed facts are well-documented, but the unresolved questions leave the story open to further developments.
Key Quotes
“Gregg Wallace intimidated and distressed people on set.”
Penny Lancaster, in a statement to BBC News
“The recent reports are truly upsetting.”
John Torode, speaking to HELLO! Magazine
“Gregg Wallace made repeated rude jokes during filming.”
Lisa Faulkner, as reported by LBC
For John Torode, the path forward is clear: he must navigate the fallout of the investigation that upheld an allegation against him, while the BBC decides whether to continue with him as a judge. The show that defined his career may never be the same — and the trust of viewers, once broken, is hard to rebuild.
hellomagazine.com, bbc.com, aol.com, bbc.co.uk, youtube.com, dagensjournal.dk
Those curious about his path from Melbourne kitchens to MasterChef stardom can explore John Torodes biography and career for a thorough overview.
Frequently asked questions
Does John Torode have a Michelin star?
No, John Torode has never been awarded a Michelin star for any of his restaurants.
Is John Torode a father?
Yes, he has four children from previous relationships.
What awards has John Torode won?
He received an MBE in 2020 for services to food and broadcasting.
What other TV shows has John Torode been on?
Besides MasterChef UK, he has appeared on Junior MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef, and guest spots on various UK daytime shows.
Where does John Torode currently live?
He lives in Hastings, East Sussex, with his wife Lisa Faulkner.
What is John Torode’s height?
He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
What is John Torode’s culinary training?
He trained under various chefs in Australia before moving to the UK, where he worked under notable figures including Marco Pierre White.
How did John Torode become famous?
He gained national fame as a judge on the revived MasterChef UK in 2005, which became a cultural phenomenon.
Related reading
- Bargain Hunt Presenters: Scandals, Deaths & Current Cast – A parallel look at BBC presenter controversies.
- Michael Aspel: Illness, Son, Retirement, and Life Now – A biography of another long-standing British TV personality.
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.