John Torode is in therapy following MasterChef sacking
Former MasterChef host John Torode has been in therapy to cope with the "grief" following his sacking from the BBC cookery show after two decades as presenter earlier this year.
John Torode is in therapy to cope with the "grief" of his MasterChef sacking.
The 60-year-old star was axed as host of the BBC cookery show after 20 years in July after the corporation upheld a complaint alleging that he had used "an extremely offensive racist term" during production on the programme and explained that it has taken a lot of soul searching to get over the disappointment.
Writing in his online newsletter A View From The Fridge, John said: "Therapy has entitled me to no longer 'be brave' but instead be real."
The Australian chef - whose co-host Gregg Wallace was also dismissed from MasterChef earlier this year due to misconduct allegations - explained that there had been "lots of ups and downs" following the "unexpected and brutal life change".
He wrote: "Fear is the instinct that keeps us alive, but should grief and fear meet each other I wonder how much damage it can do when we decide to shut it away, shut it down, and not let it flow as it should."
Torode admitted that it has become easier to share thoughts on his dismissal now that some time has passed.
He explained: "I have tried to set myself a schedule to write a new newsletter each week, finding a rhythm, in my tumultuous physical, illogical and physiological state of mind, has not been easy.
"What is becoming easier is being able to talk and to vocalise how I feel as I come to terms with the past five months and the impact it has had.
"Life has changed for ever for me and for those close to me.
"There is no sympathy searching here, just honesty."
John also wrote: "Each newsletter, I get a little braver.
"Over the past few months, I have been honest, following on from what was a very unexpected and brutal life change.
"So, thank you for supporting my newsletter and allowing me to get it out."
Torode recently made a work trip to Qatar and explained that it was the first time he had contemplated his MasterChef sacking without his actress wife Lisa Faulkner by his side.
He said: "Being away from Lisa has meant facing my grief alone and it has been cathartic but at times really tough.
"This week I can proudly say that I have allowed the true hurt and sadness to flow through me without resistance.
"Usually, being so positive and of a mind that dictates 'just get on with it'.
"Sitting quietly letting my true feelings be felt rather than putting them into exile has been a revelation."
