”He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken."
Torode said on Monday: “I am shocked and saddened by the allegation, as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
The Telegraph understands that Torode was the subject of multiple allegations, although only one was substantiated.
Torode and Grace Dent, who was hired as Wallace’s replacement, recently filmed a series of Celebrity MasterChef, which was due to go out this autumn.
That means the BBC now has two MasterChef series that may never see the light of day – the celebrity version and last year’s amateur competition hosted by Torode and Wallace.
BBC director-general Tim Davie earlier said that MasterChef was bigger than its presenters. Asked whether the show had a future, he replied: “I absolutely think it does. I think a great programme that is well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals.
“It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we’ve got to make sure we’re in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.”
Davie was also asked about the last series of the show, which was filmed but has not been released and features Wallace in all but the final episode. He said: “This is a difficult decision, and we need to weigh it up carefully. We’re thinking through things.”
A former member of the production team told the Telegraph that the show needs to “reform”.
“The people in power are the problem. They have enabled this behaviour and that needs to change. I hope the show undergoes a cultural change now. This has been a long time coming.”
In a post on social media last night, Torode said: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of. The inquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.
“I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.
“Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last. Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.”
He added: “I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is ever changing and ever moving and sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere.
“Thank you for the many years of MasterChef."
