When MasterChef returned to the small screen this week, it brought with it a brand-new era. With the spotlight now on Irish chef Anna Haugh and restaurant critic Grace Dent, viewers are loving their chemistry. But there’s one thing the audience doesn’t know: behind the scenes, two TV legends from the show—Gregg Wallace and John Torode—can’t even bear to watch. 
What’s happened to the once inseparable duo of British food television?
The MasterChef audience was shocked last year when both Gregg and John were axed from their iconic roles. Now, a year later, their friendship has turned cold, and they refuse to even speak to one another. The fallout from their shock sacking has split them for good, and while one hopes for a comeback, the other is plotting a drastic change in his life.
A source reveals the truth: “Neither of them watched the new MasterChef. It’s just too raw for them. They can’t get over what happened.”
Once adored by fans and holding power over British food television for over 20 years, Gregg and John’s downfall has been nothing short of devastating. And the personal toll has been crushing, especially after a controversial report in July last year. Gregg was dismissed after 45 out of 83 allegations were upheld, most of which involved inappropriate comments—ranging from sexual language to racial insensitivity.
Meanwhile, John’s sacking followed accusations that he had used a racial slur while repeating a song lyric, costing him both his career and his relationship with his longtime co-star.
The real reason behind their rift? A devastating blame game that has led to silence between them. “When the ship went down, they turned on each other,” an insider shares. “John feels betrayed—he got dragged into Gregg’s mess. And now they won’t even pick up the phone.”
The pair, once the best of friends both on and off screen, are now worlds apart. In 2016, when Gregg married Anne-Marie Sterpini, John stood by his side as best man. But now, their friendship has ended in bitter silence.
How have they coped with the aftermath?
For both, the financial fallout has been hard to ignore. Both men earned upwards of £400,000 per series, including endorsements and sponsorships, but now, without the BBC spotlight, they’re struggling to make ends meet.
John, 60, has been forced to turn to regional food festivals, where he’s been spotted as a guest chef. He’s also featured frequently on This Morning, offering viewers a glimpse into his life as he attempts to rebuild. His wife, actress Lisa Faulkner, has been his rock throughout this tumultuous year, helping him stay afloat and book new gigs. A source close to John reveals, “Lisa has been the one to keep him going. He’s had plenty of tears, but she’s the one making him smile.”
Despite the setbacks, John is not ready to quit. The couple recently launched a YouTube channel and are working on a new cookbook. The pair are also pushing for a new series of John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV, which the network is reportedly considering.
On the other hand, Gregg, 61, is looking to make a fresh start. He has been in talks with estate agents to sell his £1million mansion in Kent. The property, which he bought in 2017, is just too costly to maintain, and he’s now eyeing a move to Italy with his wife, Anne-Marie. Gregg plans to spend part of his time there and also in Yorkshire, where his children live.
But the reality of his new life has been a tough pill to swallow. In a recent emotional video update, Gregg admitted, “Some days I’m positive, some days I’m scared, anxious. I want to ease off a little bit, I want to relax—but I also need to provide for my family.”
A bitter twist for the once inseparable duo.
Gregg’s latest venture? Selling personalized shout-outs on Cameo, earning a surprising £20,000 a month. This drastic move highlights how far he has fallen from his glory days hosting MasterChef.
While John works on rebuilding his career, Gregg is hoping for a fresh start in Italy. For both men, their friendship and the life they once had are lost, and as time goes on, it seems like there’s no way back.
