Celebrity chef John Torode is reportedly facing the axe for his long-running ITV show, Weekend Kitchen, which he co-presents with his wife, actress Lisa Faulkner. Insiders claim the Sunday morning cookery programme, which has aired for ten series since its debut in March 2019, is heading for the chopping block as the broadcaster makes significant budget decisions.
A Decade on Screen Faces the Chop
The popular format, which saw the couple welcome guests to prepare dishes and share culinary tips, has been a staple of ITV's weekend schedule. However, a source has revealed that the show's future is now in serious doubt. The commissioning team has yet to make a final decision, but budget cuts across the network have placed the expensive-to-produce series in jeopardy.
This potential cancellation marks another major blow for Torode, 60, following a tumultuous year. In 2025, he was dismissed from the BBC's flagship programme, MasterChef, where he had been a presenter since 2005 alongside Gregg Wallace. His departure came after an independent inquiry by production company Banijay upheld a claim that he had used 'extremely offensive' racist language during an incident alleged to have occurred in 2018 or 2019.
Torode addressed the allegation on Instagram, stating he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the claim. While the BBC chose not to renew his contract, ITV initially stood by him, allowing Weekend Kitchen to continue broadcasting.
Nervous Wait and Looking Ahead
A source told The Sun: 'John is facing a nervous wait about Weekend Kitchen, but it's not looking good. It will be a major blow to John. He had a really tough time after being sacked from the BBC.' The insider added that Torode is 'preparing for the worst' but remains hopeful for a last-minute reprieve.
Despite the uncertainty, Torode and Faulkner, 53, are pushing forward with other projects. They have launched a new YouTube cooking show, which has been warmly received by viewers. Furthermore, Torode has recently opened up about seeking therapy in the wake of his MasterChef firing, writing on Substack that 'life has changed forever' and that therapy has allowed him to 'be real'.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Media and Entertainment, previously confirmed that bosses held 'crisis talks' but decided to air the current season of Weekend Kitchen. He stated it 'felt it was a bit much for us to jump on the bandwagon and just deny these shows to go out.' The final episode of the series is reportedly scheduled to air this Sunday.
MasterChef Moves On
Following Torode's exit from the BBC, the showbiz edition of MasterChef is seeking a new host, with chef Giorgio Locatelli currently tipped as the favourite. The regular series will now be fronted by Grace Dent and Irish chef Anna Haugh. Dent, who filmed a handful of Celebrity MasterChef episodes with Torode before his departure, praised him as 'one of the kindest, most concerned, clever, thoughtful men that I know.'
ITV has been contacted for comment on the reported cancellation, as have representatives for John Torode.
