STARS from Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing have signed up for Celebrity MasterChef as the BBC counts down to its first series without John Torode.
John, 60, was sensationally sacked from MasterChef and the celebrity spin-off last year over a racist remark, with bosses taking action after his use of an “extremely offensive” term.
The Sun later told how TV chef Giorgio Locatelli will replace John on the upcoming star-studded series, joining Grace Dent who is stepping in for shamed Gregg Wallace.
Now we can exclusively reveal Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver, Strictly pro Lauren Steadman and YouTuber Max Fosh will battle it out for the trophy when the show returns later this year.
An insider said: “The BBC have wanted Sue to sign up for years and now she’s off Corrie it’s the perfect time.
“Max will appeal to younger viewers and everyone at the BBC loves Lauren – Strictly dancers are always popular on MasterChef.”
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John was sacked in June last year over the remark, but later told The Sun: “I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.”
A BBC spokesperson at the time said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
“This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.
“John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened.
“He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken.
“John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
Meanwhile Gregg, 60, was sacked in July after a probe into historical allegations of misconduct, which upheld more than 40 accusations.