Celebrity chef John Torode publicly addressed his alleged ‘sacking’ from MasterChef in a statement on social media, claiming he was unaware of the situation until he saw it reported in the media. The 59-year-old presenter stated that he had not been contacted by the BBC or the production company Banijay UK regarding the allegations of using a ‘racist’ term, which he firmly denies.

On July 15, 2023, Torode expressed his confusion over the claims while announcing that his contract would not be renewed. The decision follows a review conducted by the law firm Lewis Silkin, which looked into complaints surrounding Gregg Wallace and other cast members from the show over a span of nearly two decades.

In response to the allegations, Tim Davie, the BBC‘s director-general, condemned the reported use of a ‘serious racist term’ and confirmed that Torode’s contract would not be renewed. “It’s really important that we are taking this seriously. It’s a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board,” he stated.

Torode began his tenure on MasterChef alongside Wallace in 2005, and the announcement of his departure has raised questions about the future of the programme. Following the allegations, he took to Instagram to express his dismay, stating: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”

The review, which investigated numerous allegations against Wallace, substantiated 45 out of 83 claims. Alongside these findings, it also upheld an accusation of racist language against Torode, which reportedly occurred in 2018. Banijay UK emphasized the seriousness of the allegations in a statement, noting that the matter had been formally discussed with Torode, who maintains his innocence.

Despite the controversy, Torode stated he cherished his time on the show, declaring, “I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else.” He mentioned that the two Christmas specials he recently filmed would be his final appearances, leaving uncertainty about whether the BBC would air these episodes.

In an interview with BBC News, Davie reiterated the importance of upholding values within the organisation. He refused to disclose the exact language allegedly used by Torode, calling it unacceptable. “I think, frankly it was serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form,” he said.

The BBC has confirmed that while they have made the decision not to renew Torode’s contract, they have not yet decided whether to broadcast the series filmed last year featuring both him and Wallace. A spokesperson acknowledged the disappointment this news brings to fans and contestants alike, affirming that further consultation would occur at the appropriate time.

Torode’s career on television began in 1996 as a resident chef on ITV’s This Morning. Over the years, he has become a familiar face to audiences, and in 2022, he was appointed an MBE for his services to food and charity.

The fallout from this situation highlights a critical moment for MasterChef as it navigates the implications of the allegations against its hosts. As the show continues to evolve, Davie expressed confidence in its future, stating, “I absolutely think it does have a future… a great programme that’s loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals.”

A new patch for Helldivers 2, designated as patch 01.003.200, has been released, introducing innovative features including the ability to impale enemies with flags. This update also includes weapon balancing adjustments as players face fresh challenges in the ongoing Galactic War, particularly with the Automatons attempting to seize control of the Democracy Space Station.

The patch focuses on enhancing gameplay dynamics. Players will now find that the time required for their divers to recover after being incapacitated has been slightly reduced. Additionally, the bleed damage from chest injuries has been increased, addressing player feedback that previous damage levels seemed ineffective. These changes aim to improve overall combat effectiveness, especially with the Flame Sentry, which has also undergone enhancements to its firestarting capabilities.

New Combat Features and Strategic Goals

One of the most significant additions is the revamped Masters of Ceremony warbond’s One True Flag stratagem. According to Arrowhead Game Studios, the developers conducted extensive research into flag technology, allowing players to plant flags directly into enemies, regardless of their status. This new mechanic symbolizes the enduring spirit of Super Earth, as Niklas Malmborg, the design director, noted in a video presentation that implementing this feature required considerable adjustments to the game’s code.

In addition to combat enhancements, the latest patch brings urgent strategic objectives. A new Major Order has been issued, tasking players with defending key locations to secure the Democracy Space Station. These locations include the planets Claorell, Tarsh, and Gaellivare. The developers warn that enemy troops are mobilizing, indicating that this is merely the first wave of planned attacks, suggesting a sustained campaign against the space station.

As players gear up to confront these challenges, the patch offers both new gameplay mechanics and critical missions that will shape the ongoing narrative of Helldivers 2. The game’s community is encouraged to adapt their strategies in light of these updates, ensuring that Super Earth’s objectives remain on course as the Automatons escalate their efforts.

Overall, patch 01.003.200 not only enhances the combat experience but also raises the stakes in the ongoing struggle for control within the game’s universe. With these updates, Helldivers 2 continues to evolve, keeping players engaged in its rich and dynamic world.

Metronomy has released a new remix of their popular track “Salted Caramel Ice Cream,” this time featuring Bristol producer 1-800 GIRLS. Originally launched in 2019, the song has become a staple in Metronomy’s live performances, showcasing a blend of catchy electronics and the distinctive vocals of frontman Joe Mount.

Celebrating a Milestone with New Compilation

The remix accompanies the announcement of Metronomy’s upcoming compilation album, titled Greatest Hits, which is set to be available on September 5. This album aims to encapsulate the band’s journey and achievements over the years. “Salted Caramel Ice Cream” holds a special place on the tracklist, highlighting its significance within the band’s discography.

1-800 GIRLS brings a fresh take to the original, infusing the remix with vibrant house elements and frosted disco tones that aim to invigorate listeners and entice them to the dancefloor. This collaboration reflects the ongoing evolution of Metronomy’s engaging sound and their ability to adapt while maintaining the essence of their music.

Fans can now listen to the remix online, marking yet another chapter in the story of Metronomy’s celebrated catalogue. The release not only reinforces the song’s popularity but also showcases the creative synergy between established artists and emerging producers. As anticipation builds for the Greatest Hits compilation, the remix serves as a reminder of Metronomy’s lasting impact in the music scene.

Metronomy has released a new remix of their fan-favourite track, ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’, reimagined by Bristol-based producer 1-800 GIRLS. Originally launched in 2019, the song has established itself as a staple in Metronomy’s live performances, showcasing the group’s distinctive blend of electronic and pop music.

The remix comes as part of Metronomy’s upcoming compilation album, Greatest Hits, which is set to be released on September 5, 2023. This album encapsulates the band’s journey and includes a carefully curated selection of their most celebrated tracks. ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’ holds a prominent position within the tracklist, highlighting its continued relevance and popularity among fans.

1-800 GIRLS’ take on the track introduces a fresh, vibrant sound characterized by frosted disco tones and an energizing house beat. This new version invites listeners to the dancefloor, offering a lively reinterpretation that retains the original’s charm while adding a modern twist.

The release of this remix not only reflects Metronomy’s ongoing evolution as artists but also demonstrates their ability to collaborate effectively with emerging talents in the music industry. As anticipation builds for the Greatest Hits compilation, the remix serves as a reminder of the band’s enduring influence and appeal within the music scene.

Listeners can explore the new remix and experience the dynamic sound that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.