The BBC in a statement said an “extremely offensive racist term” had been used in the workplace, prompting Torode’s contract to not be renewed.

D: Gregg Wallace’s co-host John Torode has been fired from BBC’s “MasterChef” following an investigation that substantiated an allegation he used racist language in the workplace, marking the second major dismissal to emerge from the comprehensive probe into the show’s culture.

Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt and Grace Dent lead the race as the broadcaster scrambles to replace its sacked presenters.