John Torode and wife Lisa join pals at Amanda Holden's party after his MasterChef exit

Former MasterChef host John Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner were among the guests at a garden party hosted by Amanda Holden over the bank holiday weekend. The couple joined other celebrities at the recent gathering.

Amanda, 54, hosted a party at her home in Surrey yesterday to celebrate having renovated her garden. The Britain's Got Talent judge has said that she had the "most amazing day" with family and friends, who included long-time pal Lisa, 53, and her husband John, 60, at the summer get together.

Lisa and John teased that they were heading out in posts on Instagram last night. They shared a photo that showed the couple dressed in matching white outfits in a living room. In his caption, John wrote on the platform yesterday: "Sunday best and so out with [Lisa] & wonderful friends."

More recently, photos shared by Amanda showed the couple at the party itself. One photo showed Lisa and the host stood beside pals including Angela Griffin, Tamzin Outhwaite and Nicola Stephenson in the garden.

Amanda described the group as her "lovely friends" in the caption that she included in her post today. Alongside the photo, she wrote to followers: "My lovely friends at our Mexican garden party! Loads more pics to follow."

Another photo showed the group with additional guests, including Lisa's husband John and Amanda's pal Alan Carr. The host wrote: "The most amazing day celebrating our finished garden [...] with our beautiful friends and family."

Sharing the photo herself, Lisa wrote in response: "Such a lovely day! thank you for a wonderful party." John shared the photo on his account too, with him writing over it this afternoon: "That was such fun. Thanks Mandy and Crispy."

Amanda has also shared other content from the party. It included a video that showcased the celebration. She wrote in the caption: "What an amazing day." She told fans that "everything was bought and paid for" but gave a "big shout out" to event planners and vendors who had been involved.

John's attendance at the party comes following the news last month that he would not have his contract for MasterChef renewed. Production company Banijay said that an investigation into his co-star Gregg Wallace's behaviour by firm Lewis Silkin had "substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against" John. John has however said: "I have no recollection of what I'm accused of."

His wife Lisa later broke her silence after his departure from the show. In a video message, she thanked fans for their support, saying: "Hi there. I just wanted to check in and say hello. I'm here and just thank you for all your lovely comments because they really, really mean a lot. So thank you."

The BBC had previously 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."

John then posted a statement that read: "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 enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.

"I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.

"Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last. Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.

"I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef."

As previously reported, Banijay said: "The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."

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