Title: John Torode’s Two Firms Collapse Owing £160k; Plans Legal Action Against BBC Over MasterChef Exit

This version condenses the key details:

• Removes sensational phrasing ("financial heartache," "latest blow").
• Uses neutral terms ("collapse" instead of "went bust," "exit" instead of "sacking" for broader applicability).
• Separates the two events clearly with a semicolon.
• Maintains factual accuracy (debt amount, legal action, BBC/MasterChef context).

John Torode Faces Financial and Professional Setbacks Amid BBC Legal Battle

Financial Troubles
MasterChef star John Torode, 60, faces mounting challenges as two of his businesses collapsed with over £160,000 in debts. Marcel Ltd, named after his son, owed £104,219 when dissolved in 2019, including £36,388 to HMRC and £53,881 to his other company, Toad Productions Ltd. The latter also folded in 2016, owing £58,203. Torode repaid £33,348 of a £55,000 director’s loan, but creditors received less than 10% of claims. His current venture, Caspar 10 Ltd, reported £47,351 in reserves but owes £93,523.

[Image: John Torode at a public event, caption: Torode’s businesses faced significant debts, adding to his recent struggles.]

Legal Battle with BBC
Torode plans to sue the BBC for unfair dismissal after being axed from MasterChef following allegations he used racist language. A BBC-commissioned report cited an incident where Torode allegedly used an offensive term post-filming. He denies the claim, stating, “I have absolutely no recollection of this.” However, the BBC upheld the findings, calling the term “extremely offensive,” and severed ties. Sources suggest Torode’s contract with production company Banijay—not the BBC—may complicate legal action.

[Image: Torode on MasterChef set, caption: Torode disputes racism allegations linked to his dismissal from the show.]

MasterChef’s Uncertain Future
Despite the controversy, the BBC and Banijay aim to air Torode and co-host Gregg Wallace’s final pre-recorded series. Wallace was dismissed after multiple misconduct complaints, while Torode’s exit followed the racism probe. The upcoming season features critic Grace Dent as co-host. BBC director Tim Davie has yet to finalize the airing decision, but insiders note scrapping it would disappoint crews and contestants. “The show must go on once the dust settles,” a source told The Sun.

[Image: Gregg Wallace and Grace Dent, caption: Wallace’s exit and Dent’s arrival mark a new chapter for MasterChef.]

BBC’s Firm Stance
Davie emphasized the BBC’s “zero tolerance” for racism, stating Banijay must “take action” over upheld claims. Torode, married to actress Lisa Faulkner, expressed dismay: “I’d hoped to have some say in my exit.” He called the allegations “shocking,” maintaining his commitment to inclusivity. The BBC’s annual report, overshadowed by scandals, reiterated accountability for on and off-air conduct.

[Image: BBC director Tim Davie, caption: Davie stressed accountability amid the MasterChef fallout.]

Torode’s dual crises—financial and professional—highlight a turbulent chapter for the chef, who helmed MasterChef since 2005. As legal and reputational battles unfold, the BBC faces pressure to balance integrity with audience expectations.

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