Celebrity MasterChef is back for another season, with 15 celebs taking on the ultimate cooking challenge.
The 20th series kicked off on Monday 17th November and saw the first set of celebs entering the famous kitchen. They were joined by judges Grace Dent and John Torode, which caused some confusion amongst fans, giving that Torode was fired from the show this summer.
"If John Torode was sacked by the @BBC why is he still on Celebrity Masterchef?"one viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
"Did John not also step down from MasterChef? As he’s on BBC right now!?" another said.
So, why is John Torode still on Celebrity MasterChef? And when will he leave?
Here's everything you need to know.
Why is John Torode still on Celebrity MasterChef?
Celebrity MasterChef was filmed earlier this year before Torode was fired from the show.
In July, the 60-year-old was given the boot after being accused of a racial slur, while his co-host Gregg Wallace, 61, was sacked following more than 40 complaints about his conduct, including inappropriate sexual language and unwelcome physical contact.
In regards to John, a spokesperson for the BBC said: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
"This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.
"John Torode denies the allegation. 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. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed."
The BBC decided to go ahead and still show the civilian series of MasterChef in August, with both Wallace and Torode in it, for the sake of the chefs who had taken part in it.
And last month, the BBC confirmed that it will also air the latest series of Celebrity MasterChef, featuring the now-sacked John Torode.
"Banijay UK has consulted the celebrities, contestants and guests featured and all have confirmed that they are happy for the shows to be aired," a BBC spokesperson said.
"As we have said previously, these are not straightforward decisions. We have approached this with care and consideration for all involved and we appreciate not everyone will agree with us."
When will John Torode leave MasterChef?
The current season of Celebrity MasterChef will mark John Torode's final run as a presenter on the BBC One cooking show.
Next year, food critic Grace Dent will take over the hosting duties, alongside chef Anna Waugh.
Celebrity MasterChef airs on BBC One.
