John Torode's emotional birthday message to wife Lisa Faulkner after MasterChef exit

John Torode shared an emotional message for his wife Lisa Faulkner's birthday, showing support after his MasterChef job loss. This is a change from his recent solo trip to Qatar.
By Newsroom | Celebrity News, UK Television |

The public narrative surrounding television chef John Torode has recently focused on his statements concerning his wife, Lisa Faulkner, and events related to his professional career. A series of public declarations and media reports highlight a period of both celebration for Faulkner and significant professional upheaval for Torode, leading to increased attention on their personal and public lives.

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Torode, a well-known figure in British television, has made public statements that have drawn attention from both fans and media outlets. These statements have often been shared via social media platforms, particularly Instagram, and have coincided with events such as his wife's birthday and ongoing discussions about his career.

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Timeline of Public Events

  • Recent Publication (52 minutes ago): An article from the Express reported on John Torode issuing an "emotional" statement about his wife Lisa Faulkner, coinciding with her birthday. Faulkner was celebrated by friends and colleagues during her birthday, including during her theatre show, Single White Female.

  • July 29, 2025: Multiple news outlets, including the Daily Mail and Head Topics, reported that Lisa Faulkner had spoken out, expressing gratitude for the support she received. This followed allegations against John Torode regarding the use of a racial slur, which led to his dismissal from the BBC show MasterChef. Torode has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident.

  • December 13, 2025: The Mirror published an interview where Lisa Faulkner shared her "true feelings" about John Torode's dismissal from MasterChef, describing him as "an amazing man" and discussing the "challenging" period. At this time, Faulkner was also preparing for a new stage role in Single White Female.

  • November 25, 2025: The Express reported that John Torode had traveled to Qatar for a stay at a wellness resort, issuing an "emotional" statement about his wife from abroad. This trip did not include Lisa Faulkner.

John Torode's Public Statements Regarding Lisa Faulkner

John Torode has used social media, primarily Instagram, to share messages about his wife, Lisa Faulkner.

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  • Birthday Greetings: On the occasion of Faulkner's birthday, Torode shared a series of photographs on Instagram. These images included moments from her birthday celebrations, such as breakfast at a cafe and her on-stage surprise during her theatre production of Single White Female. His accompanying message, described as "emotional" in media reports, was a direct public birthday wish to his wife.

  • Expressions of Affection: In instances where Torode has been traveling separately from his wife, such as his trip to Qatar, he has also shared messages that convey affection and connection to Faulkner. These posts often include direct salutations to her on social media.

Context of John Torode's MasterChef Departure

John Torode's professional standing has been impacted by allegations of misconduct.

Read More: Sofia Richie Shows Baby Bump as Second Child Nears Birth in October 2025

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  • Allegations and Dismissal: Torode faced allegations of using a racial slur, specifically the N-word, on the BBC show MasterChef. This led to his departure from the program after a two-decade tenure.

  • Torode's Response: Torode has publicly stated that he has "absolutely no recollection" of the alleged incident and does not believe it occurred. Despite this, he accepted the BBC's decision.

  • Broadcasts of Pre-recorded Content: The BBC announced that the MasterChef series filmed prior to these allegations being upheld would still be broadcast. This included the amateur series, which was scheduled to air from August 6, 2025.

  • Continued Work on Other Programs: While dismissed from MasterChef, Torode has continued to appear on other television programs, including ITV shows he co-hosts with his wife, Lisa Faulkner, such as John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen.

Lisa Faulkner's Public Response and Support

Lisa Faulkner has publicly acknowledged the support she has received and shared her perspective on the events.

  • Gratitude for Support: Faulkner took to Instagram to express her thanks for the "lovely comments" and support from the public and her celebrity peers following the allegations against her husband.

  • Statements on Torode's Situation: In interviews, Faulkner has referred to the period as "challenging" but has also spoken positively about her husband. She described John Torode as "an amazing man" when asked about life at home after his MasterChef axe.

  • Professional Engagements: Alongside these personal discussions, Faulkner has been engaged in her own professional activities, notably returning to the stage after 21 years for a touring adaptation of Single White Female.

International Travel and Separation

Recent reports indicate periods where John Torode has traveled internationally without his wife.

  • Trip to Qatar: In late November 2025, John Torode traveled to Qatar, staying at a five-star wellness resort. This trip was presented as a solo venture, with reports noting that Lisa Faulkner remained in the UK.

  • Previous Joint Travel: It was noted that Torode and Faulkner had previously traveled to Doha together earlier in the year for cooking workshops. However, his November stay was described as one where Faulkner would not be accompanying him. The specific purpose of this solo trip was not confirmed in the reports.

Expert and Media Commentary

Media coverage has framed Torode's statements as "emotional" and highlighted the support Faulkner has received.

"John Torode issues emotional Lisa Faulkner statement as celeb pals show support."— Express

"Lisa Faulkner has been flooded with support from her celebrity pals as she took to Instagram with an update on Tuesday… detailing how she has coped these past few weeks after the MasterChef star was sacked for 'using a racist slur'."— Daily Mail

"Lisa Faulkner shares true feelings over John Torode in 'challenging' update."— Mirror

The narrative surrounding these events frequently juxtaposes Torode's public declarations about his wife with the professional difficulties he has faced, and Faulkner's own public acknowledgments of support and her ongoing career pursuits.

Conclusion and Implications

The recent public discourse concerning John Torode and Lisa Faulkner reveals a complex interplay of personal relationships, professional challenges, and public perception. Torode's public statements, particularly those made during his wife's birthday and during his international travel, appear to be directed at reinforcing his personal connections amidst broader professional scrutiny.

  • Public Reassurance: Torode's "emotional" statements about his wife, shared on social media, can be interpreted as an effort to project a stable personal life.

  • Faulkner's Resilience: Lisa Faulkner's public acknowledgment of support and her continued professional engagements suggest a resilient approach to the challenging circumstances surrounding her husband's career.

  • Ongoing Scrutiny: The circumstances of Torode's departure from MasterChef continue to form a significant backdrop to public interest in his and Faulkner's activities. The broadcast of previously filmed content indicates that this chapter of his career remains relevant.

  • Future Implications: The ways in which Torode and Faulkner navigate future public appearances and professional endeavors will likely be observed in light of these recent events. The balance between personal expressions and professional conduct remains a key area of public interest.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did John Torode say about his wife Lisa Faulkner for her birthday?
John Torode posted emotional birthday wishes for his wife Lisa Faulkner on Instagram. He shared pictures from her birthday, including her theatre show.
Q: Why is John Torode's MasterChef exit being discussed with Lisa Faulkner?
John Torode was dismissed from MasterChef after allegations of using a racial slur. Lisa Faulkner has spoken about the difficult time and supported him, calling him 'an amazing man'.
Q: Has John Torode traveled recently?
Yes, John Torode recently traveled to Qatar for a wellness resort stay. This trip was without his wife, Lisa Faulkner, who stayed in the UK.
Q: What is Lisa Faulkner doing professionally?
Lisa Faulkner is busy with her own career. She recently returned to the stage after 21 years for a play called 'Single White Female'.
Q: When did John Torode leave MasterChef?
John Torode left MasterChef after a 20-year run following allegations of misconduct. The BBC decided to broadcast pre-recorded episodes from August 6, 2025.
Q: How has Lisa Faulkner reacted to the situation?
Lisa Faulkner thanked people for their support on Instagram. She described the period as 'challenging' but also expressed positive feelings about her husband.