John Torode and Lisa Faulkner: A Love Story Beyond the Kitchen

Television has given us some memorable food moments over the years, but few have captured the public imagination quite like the real-life partnership between John Torode and Lisa Faulkner. What began as a chance meeting on a cooking competition has blossomed into one of British television’s most beloved couples, though 2025 has tested their relationship in unexpected ways.

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Their journey from initial friendship to married life tells a fascinating story of resilience, romance, and shared passion for food. However, recent events have placed both their personal and professional lives under intense scrutiny, making this an opportune moment to examine their relationship, career developments, and what the future holds for this dynamic duo.

From Celebrity MasterChef to Television’s Power Couple

The foundation of John and Lisa’s relationship isn’t as straightforward as many might assume. When Lisa competed on the fifth series of Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, she was still married to actor Chris Coghill. John Torode, who was presenting the show, was equally committed to his personal life at the time. Both consistently denied any romantic feelings during this period, insisting their connection was purely professional and platonic.

Lisa’s victory on the cooking competition proved to be more than just a career highlight. The win opened doors to numerous television opportunities and sparked a genuine friendship with John that would gradually transform over the following years. After the show, both their personal lives underwent significant changes around 2011, when Lisa separated from Chris and John ended his marriage to Jessica. However, neither rushed into romance with the other.

Their friendship continued to develop through various food-related projects and television appearances. Interestingly, Lisa and John have revealed they actually met for the first time nearly two decades earlier on This Morning, when Lisa was a guest and John was demonstrating his culinary skills. Lisa remembered the encounter vividly, describing John as appearing arrogant, though he claimed to have no recollection of meeting her beforehand.

The Romantic Letter That Changed Everything

The turning point came in an unexpectedly traditional way. After both had navigated their respective separations and taken time to heal, John made a bold gesture. Rather than approaching Lisa face-to-face, risking rejection and potential awkwardness, he wrote her a handwritten letter inviting her out for dinner. John has since admitted this approach was somewhat cowardly, yet pragmatic—if she declined, at least he could avoid the immediate discomfort of a direct refusal.

Lisa accepted the invitation, and what followed was a cautious courtship. Both were acutely aware of the other people involved in their lives, particularly Lisa’s adopted daughter Billie, whom she had adopted with Chris in 2006 when the child was just seventeen months old. They took their relationship slowly, prioritising stability and careful consideration rather than rushing into commitment.

Lisa has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her previous marriage’s dissolution. She endured three rounds of failed IVF treatment and suffered an ectopic pregnancy during that difficult period, which she has described as a very dark time in her life. This experience made her cautious about embarking on a new relationship, yet her connection with John provided hope and genuine companionship during her recovery.

Building a Life Together

By Christmas Day 2018, John felt confident enough to propose to Lisa. The couple married on 24 October 2019 at Aynhoe Park, a stunning seventeenth-century estate in Northamptonshire, inviting their closest friends and family to celebrate their union. The wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter, though their professional lives had already become increasingly intertwined.

In March 2019, John and Lisa launched their shared television project, John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV. The weekend cooking show has become a fixture of British television, currently in its tenth season. The programme invites viewers into their kitchen as they demonstrate accessible, delicious recipes that home cooks of all abilities can recreate. This venture proved remarkably successful, showcasing their natural chemistry and complementary presenting styles.

Beyond their weekend television slot, John and Lisa have collaborated on numerous projects. They presented John and Lisa’s Food Trip Down Under in early 2024, a five-part ITV series exploring Western Australia’s diverse food and culinary traditions. This project demonstrated their ability to engage audiences through travel, food, and personal storytelling on a larger scale.

The Foundation of Their Marriage

When discussing their marriage, both John and Lisa emphasise the importance of partnership and mutual support. Lisa has revealed that their happiness stems from genuine affection and attraction—they genuinely like and fancy each other, she explained in various interviews. She further noted that being married involves teamwork, and she and John function as an effective unit in both their personal and professional lives.

The couple have spoken about the small romantic gestures that maintain their connection. John reportedly leaves teabags by the kettle with love notes when he leaves home early in the morning. Lisa reciprocates by placing notes in his bag when he travels for work. They both emphasise that cooking for each other represents their primary love language—through food preparation and sharing meals, they communicate their affection and care.

Friends and colleagues have observed that Lisa has positively influenced John’s character over their years together. Some have suggested she has softened his previously more aggressive demeanor, making him less confrontational and more approachable. John himself has acknowledged how their constant journey of cooking and working together has created a consistent, evolving partnership where both individuals learn from each other continuously.

A Challenging Year for the Couple

The latter half of 2025 presented unprecedented challenges for both John and Lisa. In July, news broke that an investigation into misconduct on the BBC’s MasterChef had uncovered allegations against both John Torode and his long-time co-presenter Gregg Wallace. The investigation, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin and commissioned by production company Banijay, substantiated 45 allegations against Wallace and identified two additional allegations against other individuals, including one against John Torode.

According to the investigation findings, John Torode was alleged to have used an extremely offensive racist term in the workplace. The BBC and Banijay announced that Torode’s contract would not be renewed following this upheld allegation. John responded through an Instagram statement, asserting he had “no recollection” of the incident and expressing being “shocked and saddened” by the allegation. He noted that the inquiry could not even provide specific dates for when the alleged incident supposedly occurred.

John learnt of his dismissal from MasterChef—a show he had presented for nearly two decades since its relaunch in 2005—through media reports rather than receiving direct notification from BBC or Banijay representatives. This lack of professional courtesy added to his frustration regarding the situation. He acknowledged life’s constant changes and stated his intention to focus on other exciting projects while expressing gratitude for his time on the programme.

Lisa demonstrated remarkable support during this tumultuous period. Shortly after John’s exit from the show, she posted an Instagram video addressing her followers, thanking them for their supportive messages. In her brief statement, she emphasised that their encouragement meant a great deal to her during this challenging time. Her public backing of her husband sent a clear message about their unified front despite external pressures.

Continuing Forward with ITV

Notably, ITV has continued to support both John and Lisa’s professional endeavours despite the BBC’s decision to sever ties. The broadcaster confirmed that John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen would continue to air as scheduled, with the tenth series progressing without interruption. Furthermore, plans were put in place for a Christmas special later in the year, demonstrating ITV’s confidence in the couple’s ability to maintain professional standards and audience engagement.

This decision proved significant for both their careers and their overall wellbeing during a difficult period. Lisa subsequently hinted at new secret projects she was working on, sharing glamorous selfies from various filming locations and noting her enjoyment of working with skilled makeup artists and production teams. Her return to active filming just weeks after John’s dismissal suggested determination to move forward despite the circumstances surrounding them.

The October Anniversary and Renewed Commitment

As 2025 progressed, John and Lisa reached their wedding anniversary in October. Rather than retreating from public view, John shared an intimate Instagram post dedicated to Lisa on 23 October, declaring his love and affection for her after their six years of marriage. Lisa responded with her own touching message, expressing her continued love and appreciation for their partnership.

These anniversary celebrations, occurring just months after the MasterChef scandal, demonstrated that their personal commitment remained steadfast despite professional upheaval. The couple’s willingness to publicly acknowledge their love and support for each other suggested they viewed this challenging period as something to navigate together rather than something that could damage their fundamental bond.

Their Influence on British Television and Food Culture

Beyond their relationship drama, John and Lisa have genuinely influenced British television and domestic food culture over the past decade. John Torode’s career spans decades, transforming him from a innovative restaurateur into a household name through television presenting. His earlier work establishing Smiths of Smithfield and other dining establishments demonstrated his culinary credentials before television fame.

Lisa’s journey has been equally impressive, transitioning from a successful acting career—including notable roles in Holby City, Spooks, and EastEnders—to becoming a respected food writer and television personality. Her cookbook “Recipes from My Mother for My Daughter” became an instant bestseller, reaching number one on The Times non-fiction list. Her second book, “The Way I Cook,” and subsequent publications have established her as a credible culinary voice.

Their collaborative work on John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen has inspired countless viewers to attempt restaurant-quality meals at home. The show’s emphasis on accessible, achievable recipes has democratised cooking, encouraging people to view food preparation not as intimidating but as an enjoyable, achievable activity. Their genuine rapport and playful banter have made the programme engaging beyond its instructional components.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 draws toward its conclusion, John and Lisa face an uncertain but potentially promising future. While John’s departure from MasterChef represents a significant professional loss after two decades, their continued television presence on ITV and various other projects provide alternative pathways for their careers. Lisa’s sustained involvement in television, coupled with John’s demonstrated ability to remain employed despite the BBC controversy, suggests they have the resilience to adapt to changing circumstances.

Their marriage appears to have weathered the storm effectively, with both publicly supporting each other through a genuinely difficult situation. The couple’s willingness to continue working together professionally, combined with their evident personal affection and commitment, suggests their partnership possesses the foundation necessary for long-term stability.

The story of John Torode and Lisa Faulkner ultimately transcends tabloid headlines and television ratings. It represents a genuine partnership built gradually over many years, tested by unexpected challenges, and strengthened through mutual support and commitment. Their journey—from cautious friendship to married partnership—continues to captivate audiences because it feels authentic in an industry often characterised by carefully constructed narratives.

Whether discussing their romantic gestures, professional achievements, or ability to navigate crisis with dignity, John and Lisa have given British television something increasingly rare: a couple relationship that appears genuinely grounded in affection, respect, and shared values. As they continue their careers beyond MasterChef, their story remains compelling for audiences who appreciate the complexity and resilience required to maintain both a successful partnership and public careers simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did John Torode and Lisa Faulkner meet?

John and Lisa first met when Lisa competed on the fifth series of Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, which she won. However, they were both married to other people at that time and initially remained just good friends. Their relationship gradually developed after both went through separations around 2011, eventually becoming romantic after John sent Lisa a handwritten letter inviting her to dinner several years later.

When did John Torode and Lisa Faulkner get married?

John proposed to Lisa on Christmas Day 2018, and they married on 24 October 2019 at Aynhoe Park, a seventeenth-century estate in Northamptonshire. The couple have now been married for over six years and have been together for approximately fifteen years since their initial meeting on Celebrity MasterChef.

What television shows do John and Lisa present together?

John and Lisa’s most well-known collaboration is John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, an ITV cooking show currently in its tenth season. They also presented John and Lisa’s Food Trip Down Under in early 2024, a five-part ITV series exploring Australian cuisine. Additionally, they have jointly authored a cookbook titled “John and Lisa’s Kitchen,” showcasing their culinary partnership.

What happened to John Torode on MasterChef in 2025?

In July 2025, following an investigation into misconduct on the BBC’s MasterChef, an allegation against John Torode was upheld. He was accused of using an extremely offensive racist term in the workplace. The BBC and production company Banijay announced that his contract would not be renewed. John stated he had “no recollection” of the incident and expressed being shocked and saddened by the allegation.

Is John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen still on ITV despite the MasterChef controversy?

Yes, ITV confirmed that John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen continues to air as scheduled. The broadcaster did not discontinue their show despite the MasterChef situation, and plans were put in place for a Christmas special later in 2025, demonstrating ITV’s continued support for the couple’s professional endeavours.

john torode and lisa faulkner

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