John Torode makes first public appearance since MasterChef sacking at Nottinghamshire food festival

John Torode returned to the public eye Sunday with two live demonstrations at the Festival of Food and Drink in Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire, marking his first appearance since being axed from MasterChef in July. The 60-year-old presenter appeared with his wife, Lisa Faulkner, who stood by him as he greeted fans and cooked for a crowd in a 500-seat theatre at the two‑day event.

The decision to part ways with Torode followed an independent review that concluded he had used an extremely offensive racist term in 2018. Torode has said he does not recollect saying such a word and the BBC, along with production company Banijay UK, said his MasterChef contract would not be renewed. He had already pulled out of a festival appearance in Seaham, County Durham, in August after the controversy. His former co-host Gregg Wallace was also dismissed following reports of inappropriate conduct.

Torode mingled with attendees on the festival's second day, where more than 150 traders and street-food vendors were on site and several other well-known chefs, including Simon Rimmer and Rosemary Shrager, appeared as weekend guests. The star worked the stage in front of a standing audience and did not reference MasterChef or his BBC exit during his presentation.

During his first demonstration, Torode prepared pan-fried scallops with a Greek skordalia, a potato-cream-garlic-parsley dip, and an oven-baked tomato and shallot pastry pie. He teased that vegetables have personalities as he moved between stations, and the crowd responded with applause as he interacted with fans. Faulkner watched from the side of the marquee, smiling and taking photos as her husband connected with attendees.

Afterward, the couple signed copies of their new cookbook, John and Lisa's Kitchen, priced at £22, with Torode describing the book as a strong gift option for the Christmas season. Faulkner told the Daily Mail that she was delighted to see John back on stage and praised his charisma. The pair also promote their ITV show, John & Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, which is in its tenth series with a Christmas special planned for November.

Fans described the appearance as a welcome return to the public eye for Torode, arguing that he was treated harshly by some in the media and noting that the controversy surrounding the 2018 incident had lingered far longer than the event itself. Organizers stressed that Torode's appearance had been booked prior to the BBC and Banijay UK decisions and that the festival remained a supportive space for him and fellow cooks.

In the broader MasterChef universe, the network has moved to reshape both its professional and amateur formats. Grace Dent will return as a permanent judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, and Anna Haugh has joined the panel, replacing Gregg Wallace in the latest episodes. BBC One also announced Matt Tebbutt as the new host for MasterChef: The Professionals as the show moves forward. The network has acknowledged weaker viewership for the current run while pursuing new talent. Faulkner has publicly supported her husband throughout the episode, including a social media post thanking supporters after his firing.

Torode has built a 43-year career as a chef and television presenter, and the Nottinghamshire appearance underscores his ongoing presence on the UK culinary circuit. Beyond MasterChef, he and Faulkner continue to collaborate on ITV projects and have capitalized on their joint brand with books and live appearances as they navigate the high-profile departure from MasterChef.