A former MasterChef winner has come out in support of sacked presenter John Torode. Thomasina Miers, who won the 2005 reboot of the BBC show, said the former host was “incredibly nurturing and supportive” towards contestants.

Speaking to the podcast Spooning with Mark Wogan, the former MasterChef winner addressed Torode's true colours. Ms Miers said: “John was incredibly nurturing and supportive. The idea of John being racist frankly is so ludicrous.”

BBC One's MasterChef lost nearly one million viewers during its return last night, marking the final series with hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode following their recent sacking