John Torode finally speaks out about Gregg Wallace MasterChef scandal branding it 'awful and upsetting'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

MasterChef's John Torode has expressed his commitment to the programme and has vowed he "will continue to be a part of it" following Gregg Wallace's departure amid an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The Australian-born host, who has been presenting the BBC One cooking show with Wallace since 2005, shared on Instagram that he found the recent reports "truly upsetting" and that the "thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear".He stated: "Since last Friday I have been away filming MasterChef overseas.

I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it."During the last few days, I’ve been trying to make the best cookery programme, so being busy making the show and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to think about anything else, but that has been hard."He further added: "But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation underway, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage and I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward."On Tuesday, the BBC announced that two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials, a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza, have been removed from its festive schedule.The BBC commented: "As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned."They added: "The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them."Get the latest news sent