John Torode, long known as the forthright judge on the BBC’s MasterChef, has found a new audience through a YouTube cooking show launched alongside his wife, Lisa Faulkner. Since its debut eight months ago, “John and Lisa’s Kitchen & Home” has garnered over 1.2 million views, showcasing a more relaxed and personable side of the chef best known for his sharp critiques on television.

Torode, 61, and Faulkner, 54, film their episodes from their home kitchen in London’s Muswell Hill, inviting viewers into a domestic and informal setting that contrasts sharply with the formal MasterChef environment. The couple’s dynamic, marked by playful banter and mutual teasing, has resonated with audiences. Their content features family recipes and cooking tips, such as perfect pavlova and roast potatoes, which have attracted a growing fan base.

The pair have also commercialized their brand through a line of cookware in partnership with high street retailer ProChef and plan to publish a new cookbook. Industry observers suggest these ventures may eventually prove more lucrative than Torode’s previous role on MasterChef.

Torode’s departure from MasterChef last year followed an internal investigation by Banijay UK, the show’s production company, which upheld multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving him and co-host Gregg Wallace. Torode was accused of using a racial slur during a 2019 wrap party, though he has denied recollection of the incident and criticized the process that led to his dismissal. Despite the controversy, many longtime fans have voiced support for Torode in the wake of his exit.

Sources close to Torode and Faulkner describe their new online presence as a direct challenge to traditional broadcasters like the BBC, highlighting the flexibility and personal touch afforded by digital platforms. Their growing viewership and engagement have attracted advertising partnerships with companies such as HSBC and Monzo.

The BBC’s incoming director general, Matt Brittin, who joined the corporation from Google, recently expressed interest in expanding the broadcaster’s digital offerings to include more user-generated and influencer content. This shift could potentially open the door to formats similar to those developed independently by Torode and Faulkner.

While the couple’s previous television project, “John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen,” may not be returning to ITV, their digital success and forthcoming book indicate an ongoing presence in the culinary media landscape. Friends and associates note that Faulkner has been a key supporter for Torode since his departure from MasterChef, with the two having met on the show in 2010 before beginning their relationship years later.

Through their YouTube channel, Torode and Faulkner have successfully reinvented their public image, moving away from the criticism and controversy surrounding MasterChef to a warmer, more approachable style of cooking entertainment.