Key Highlights
- John Torode reveals he’s in therapy to deal with ‘grief’ over his BBC exit.
- Torode was fired from MasterChef after an investigation into ‘inappropriate conduct.’
- The controversy centered around allegations of inappropriate behavior by Gregg Wallace and racist comments made by Torode.
- Torode says writing a blog has helped him come to terms with the past five months.
John Torode Opens Up About His MasterChef Sacking and Therapy Journey
In an emotional reveal, former MasterChef presenter John Torode has opened up about his ongoing struggle with grief following his BBC exit. Speaking on his blog “A View From the Fridge,” he shared that therapy over the past few months has helped him confront his feelings more openly.
A Journey to Self-Reflection
Torode, 60, who was sacked from MasterChef in July after an investigation into ‘inappropriate conduct,’ said: “Therapy over the past few months has entitled me to no longer ‘be brave’ but instead be real. Fear is the instinct that keeps us alive, but should grief and fear meet each other I wonder how much damage it can do when we decide to shut it away.” His words reflect a deep emotional journey as he navigates his feelings post-sacking.
The Impact on His Life
Writing in his blog, Torode elaborated: “What is becoming easier is being able to talk and to vocalise how I feel as I come to terms with the past 5 months and the impact it has had. My tumultuous physical, illogical and physiological state of mind has not been easy… Life has changed forever for me and for those close to me.” His candid admission highlights the profound personal changes he’s undergone since his MasterChef exit.
Writing as a Coping Mechanism
Not only is Torode seeking professional help, but he’s also found solace in writing. “My blog has been a way for me to find a rhythm and learn that I can take solace from life being unpredictable,” he shared. He publishes his thoughts through Substack, a platform where he writes a new piece each week. Each entry is described as making him ‘braver’—a testament to the therapeutic nature of his writing.
Reactions and Reflections
The news comes at a time when viewers were surprised by the debut of the new Celebrity MasterChef series, which featured Torode alongside Grace Dent, replacing Gregg Wallace. While fans expected Torode’s last appearance to be in the final season recorded before the investigation, his continued presence on the show has added complexity to the narrative surrounding the controversy.
Grace Dent, who replaced Wallace as co-host, spoke candidly about her experiences with both presenters. In an interview with The Sunday Times, she said: “I absolutely adore John Torode.
He is one of the kindest, most concerned, clever, thoughtful men that I know.” However, she also acknowledged the challenging nature of the situation, stating, “For me to sit here now and go, ‘Well, that’s not the Gregg that I knew,’ is beside the point because it’s not about what I think. He said an awful lot, and that was during the point when I was starting my new MasterChef job and I utterly cut myself off from all of that.”
The controversy surrounding both Torode and Wallace has left a lasting impact on the show and its audience. As viewers continue to process the events leading up to their exits, they await further developments with keen interest.
Conclusion
John Torode’s journey through therapy and writing offers valuable insights into navigating life after controversy. His openness not only serves as a form of self-care but also provides a window into the broader impact such events can have on individuals and their careers. As MasterChef continues to evolve, the story of John Torode remains a poignant reminder of the personal toll such public scrutiny can take.
Follow updates on his Substack blog for more reflections from one of television’s most experienced personalities.
