Celebrity MasterChef viewers were baffled over John Torode’s appearance in the new series when it returned on Monday.
The Australian chef was axed from the long-running cooking show in July following allegations he had used “extremely offensive racist language” in 2018 - claims he has “no recollection” of.
Before his exit, the 60-year-old filmed the Celebrity series alongside new judge, food critic Grace Dent, 52.
The BBC said at the time that it had not been a “straightforward decision” to air the series, but every celebrity contestant and guest featured had given their blessing.
However, fans were still stunned to see Torode presenting the new episodes, which features stars like Blue singer Anthony Costa and Drag Race star Ginger Johnson.
One viewer wrote on X, “I thought John had been sacked as well?!?!” while another added: “John Torode, on Celebrity Masterchef, criticising a contestant for not having a plan and anticipating the future, is a new level of culinary irony.”
Another added: “John: It's Celebrity MasterChef and we are back. You're not back for long, fella.”
Dent and chef Anna Haugh will take over from Torode and his longtime co-host Gregg Wallace as the new presenting duo for the 2026 series.
Torode was dropped from MasterChef after he was accused of saying the N-word while singing along to Kanye West’s song, Gold Digger, at a work gathering.
He said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.
I thought John had been sacked aswell?!? #MasterChefUK #CelebrityMasterChef
— Emma Clarke (@ems280204) November 17, 2025
John: It's #celebritymasterchef and we are back
— Terry (@MrRockingGooner) November 17, 2025
You're not back for long fella
John Torode, on Celebrity Masterchef, criticising a contestant for not having a plan and anticipating the future, is a new level of culinary irony.
— Mick Collins (@MickPCollins) November 17, 2025
Torode addressed his MasterChef axe in a post last week, insisting he is “moving on” and has “nothing to prove”.
“The best decision I ever made? To be quiet and move on. I have nothing to prove. I’m not here to convince anyone to love me or that I’m a great person,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I’m not fixing what I didn’t break, and I’m not fighting for anyone to see my worth. Whatever you do is on you — and that’s your journey, not mine. As for me? I’m moving forward.”
His post came just hours after BBC boss Tim Davie was forced out amid mounting scandal.
The outgoing director-general had faced escalating scrutiny over impartiality and a series of damaging scandals during his tenure.
Torode’s co-host Wallace, 61, stood down from MasterChef last November.
He was dropped completely in July after an internal investigation upheld 45 allegations about his conduct, including inappropriate sexual language and unwanted physical contact.
