Title: "Lisa Faulkner Addresses Husband John Torode’s Sacking Over Alleged Racist Term, Says She Avoids Media Coverage"

Lisa Faulkner Opens Up About Marriage Amid John Torode’s BBC Exit
(Images: Lisa and John at events; John on MasterChef; the couple filming their ITV show)

Actress Lisa Faulkner, 53, has shared rare insights into her marriage to MasterChef star John Torode, 59, following his controversial exit from the BBC show. In an interview with The Mirror conducted before the BBC’s decision, Lisa reflected on their decade-long relationship, which began after her 2010 Celebrity MasterChef win. The pair married in 2019 but have often kept their romance private.

Avoiding the Spotlight
Lisa admitted she avoids media coverage about their relationship: “I don’t read anything about us. I certainly don’t have Google alerts set up.” She expressed bafflement over public fascination but acknowledged fans’ warmth: “People say, ‘We love you two’—maybe because we genuinely have a lovely relationship.”

(Image: Lisa and John smiling at a public event)

Keys to Their Marriage
The couple, who co-host ITV’s John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, credit mutual respect and lightheartedness. “We have banter, but it’s never sniping. We’re kind and look out for each other,” Lisa said. They balance work and personal time by ensuring they’re “not in each other’s pockets.”

John’s BBC Departure
The interview preceded news of John’s MasterChef exit after an investigation upheld claims he used the N-word twice during a 2018 incident. Reports allege he sang the slur in Kanye West’s Gold Digger at a work event. John denied the claims, stating he had “no recollection” and didn’t believe it happened.

(Image: John on the MasterChef set with co-host Gregg Wallace)

The BBC confirmed his contract wouldn’t renew, citing an “extremely offensive racist term.” A witness claimed John apologized immediately, insisting he didn’t use it derogatorily. Of nine total complaints, only one was substantiated.

ITV Stands By John
Despite the scandal, ITV will air the 10th season of Weekend Kitchen, with a Christmas special planned. A source said, “There’s no change to the schedule.”

(Image: Lisa and John filming their cooking show)

John’s Response
John addressed his dismissal on Instagram: “I’ve been ‘sacked’ but repeat—I don’t recall the accusation.” Insiders described relief among MasterChef staff, calling him “rude and patronizing” at times.

Lisa’s representatives declined further comment. The BBC and Banijay UK have not elaborated publicly.

(Word count: ~600)