Celebrity chef John Torode is reportedly facing the cancellation of his ITV cooking programme, John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, just months after his high-profile exit from the BBC's MasterChef.
A Nervous Wait for the Weekend Kitchen
According to a source, the 60-year-old presenter is 'prepared for the worst' as the show's commissioning team has yet to make a final decision on its future. The insider claimed Torode is 'facing a nervous wait' with the outlook appearing bleak.
The source explained that budget cuts across the network are a significant factor, stating the programme is 'expensive to make'. The final episode of the show's tenth series is scheduled to air this Saturday. The series first launched in 2019, featuring Torode and his wife, actress and fellow chef Lisa Faulkner.
Fallout from BBC Departure
This development follows Torode's departure from the BBC earlier this summer. The broadcaster confirmed it would not be renewing his contract after an independent investigation upheld an allegation that he had used 'an extremely offensive racist term' in the workplace.
Torode has consistently denied the allegation, stating in a July Instagram post that he had 'no recollection' of the incident. He later commented on his exit, saying, "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC... I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef. I reiterate that I have no memory of what I'm accused of."
Moving Forward with New Projects
Despite the potential blow of losing his ITV show, Torode and Faulkner are pushing forward with new ventures. The couple have recently launched their own YouTube channel, filmed from their home kitchen.
In an introductory video, Torode teased content ranging from 'celebratory food' and global cuisine to classic British bakes. The source close to the chef noted this digital project has been 'well-received' and represents a fresh start for the pair.
The insider added, "It will be a major blow to John. He had a really tough time after being sacked from the BBC... Naturally, he’s hoping his ITV show will get a redeeming nod but he’s prepared for the worst." The commissioning team's final decision on the fate of Weekend Kitchen is now anxiously awaited.
