John Torode and Lisa Faulkner have opened up about their marriage, emphasizing how they maintain their closeness while often pursuing separate career paths. The couple’s journey began in 2010 when Lisa, an acclaimed actress, won Celebrity MasterChef, first sparking a friendship that gradually blossomed into love.
Now co-hosts of ITV’s popular Saturday morning show, John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, the couple enjoy working together but acknowledge that they often “do their own thing.” John, 59, describes their relationship as grounded in mutual respect and enjoyment: “We don’t rehearse, we just quite like each other. It’s really nice to do it.” Despite busy schedules—John’s long-term involvement in MasterChef and Lisa’s diverse acting roles including Celebrity Gogglebox and The Madame Blanc Mysteries—they cherish the quality time they spend during condensed filming periods.
Lisa sheds light on their dynamic: “We live together and often work on separate projects, so people wonder if we get bored of each other. But when we film the show, it’s a 10-day shoot, and we really get to spend that time together, which we love.”
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Their partnership has recently come under the public spotlight amid John Torode’s departure from MasterChef, following an independent investigation into allegations of racist language. The BBC and production company Banijay confirmed that the claims, dating back eight years, were substantiated. The term used was described by BBC Director-General Tim Davie as “so serious” he refused to say it in public. John denies the accusation, stating he “has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened.”
In the aftermath, John learned about his dismissal through media reports, expressing frustration over the lack of direct communication. He posted on Instagram that he wished to have had some control over his exit from the show, which he had been part of since 2005.
The BBC emphasized zero tolerance for racist behavior, stating that the upheld allegation led to John’s contract non-renewal. This development marks the end of John Torode’s two-decade association with MasterChef, while he and Lisa continue to focus on their personal and professional lives together.