Christine Hamilton has launched a fierce defence of John Torode following his dismissal from MasterChef, condemning the BBC's decision as "deeply unjust" and attributing it to "wokeism".
The 72-year-old television personality and author, who appeared as a finalist on the celebrity edition of the programme over a decade ago, took to social media platform X on Wednesday evening to voice her support for the Australian-born chef.
"#JohnTorode is one of the nicest, kindest guys I've ever met," Hamilton wrote to her 32,300 followers.
The post continued: "As a #Masterchef finalist I've spend a lot of time in his company both on and off screen.
BBC | MasterChef judge John Torode has now been axed from the BBC show"His sacking by the vile #BBC is deeply unjust and merely shows how deeply entrenched is their #Wokeism."
The 59-year-old chef's contract was not renewed following an allegation of using racist language that was upheld in a review into the behaviour of his co-presenter Gregg Wallace.
The complaint emerged after more than 40 accusations of misconduct were made against Wallace, who was officially removed from the programme last week.
Torode has strongly denied the allegation, stating on Monday that he had "no recollection" of the incident and did "not believe that it happened."
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|Christine Hamilton issued a strong statement in defence of John Torode
In a subsequent Instagram post on Tuesday, he expressed frustration that "the enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong."
He also revealed he had not been contacted directly by the BBC or production company Banijay about his dismissal.
Despite the circumstances of his departure, Torode struck a reflective tone about his two-decade tenure on the programme.
"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 [the] last few days seem to have prevented that," he wrote on Instagram.
The chef confirmed that the recently filmed Celebrity MasterChef series with Grace Dent and two Christmas specials would be his final appearances.
"Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else," he stated.
Looking ahead, Torode indicated he would "focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards," adding that his "tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating."
The controversy surrounding Torode's departure comes amid wider concerns about workplace culture at the BBC.
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|Christine Hamilton defended John Torode after his axe from BBC MasterChef
BBC Chair Samir Shah disclosed during the Annual Report briefing that "several people have been dismissed" following an independent review of workplace culture commissioned by the broadcaster.
"This is the first time we're going to say this publicly," Shah stated, noting that "since April more staff have been confident to step forward and several people have been dismissed as a result."
BBC | John Torode has denied the 'racial comment' allegation against himHe acknowledged that there remain areas within the corporation where "powerful individuals" can still "make life for their colleagues unbearable."
Shah emphasised that he and the leadership team would not "tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values," adding: "There is no place in, or on the BBC, for those who are not prepared to live by our values, whoever they are."