John Torode – Age, Net Worth, Wife and MasterChef Role
John Torode has been a fixture on British television for two decades, best known as the exacting judge on BBC’s MasterChef. Born in Australia and trained in classical French cuisine, he built a career that spans restaurants, cookbooks, and a high-profile marriage to actress and food writer Lisa Faulkner. This profile covers his role on MasterChef, his family life, his age, net worth, restaurant ventures, and the biggest questions fans are asking in 2025.
What is John Torode’s role on MasterChef?
- Name: John Douglas Torode
- Born: 23 July 1965 (age 59 in 2025)
- Occupation: Chef, television presenter
- Known for: MasterChef judge (2005–present)
- John Torode is best known as a long‑standing judge on BBC’s MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace.
- He married actress and cookbook author Lisa Faulkner in 2019; they co‑own a restaurant and have a blended family.
- Despite rumors of leaving MasterChef (often called the “MasterChef axe”), Torode remains a judge as of 2025.
- His net worth is estimated at around £5 million, built from television, cookbooks, restaurants, and endorsements.
- He has written several cookbooks, including Sydney to Seoul and My Kind of Food.
- Torode has four children from previous relationships and his marriage to Faulkner.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Douglas Torode |
| Birth Date | 23 July 1965 |
| Age (2025) | 59 |
| Place of Birth | Bega, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian (also British citizen) |
| Occupation | Chef, TV presenter, author |
| Years Active | 1990s–present |
| TV Show | MasterChef (BBC One, 2005–present) |
| Spouse | Lisa Faulkner (2019–present) |
| Children | 2 sons (plus stepdaughter) |
| Net Worth | £5–6 million (estimated) |
Who is John Torode married to?
Is John Torode married to Lisa Faulkner?
Yes. John Torode married actress and cookbook author Lisa Faulkner in 2019. The couple live in London and often appear together on television and at food events. Faulkner won Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, the very show Torode judges.
How did John Torode and Lisa Faulkner meet?
They met in 2010 when Faulkner was a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef and Torode was one of the judges. Their friendship deepened after the show, and they began dating several years later. The wedding took place in 2019.
Torode has two sons from a previous marriage, and Faulkner has a daughter from a previous relationship. Together they form a blended family of four children, consistent across multiple sources.
Do John Torode and Lisa Faulkner have children together?
They do not have biological children together, but they have raised Faulkner’s daughter from her earlier relationship as part of their family. Sources consistently agree Torode has four children in total.
How old is John Torode and what is his net worth?
How old is John Torode?
John Torode was born on 23 July 1965, which makes him 59 years old in 2025 and will turn 60 in 2026. His place of birth is Bega, New South Wales, Australia. Most authoritative sources, including IMDb, confirm the 1965 birth year, though a single source (SquareMeal) gives 1956.
What is John Torode’s net worth?
Estimates vary. The most consistent range found in multiple reports – including the Sun and Express – places his net worth at £7–8 million. Other sources, such as Wales Online, cite figures around £5–6 million. The wealth is generated from his long MasterChef salary, restaurant ventures, and cookbook royalties.
Private individuals’ net worth is rarely made public. The range of £5 million to £8 million reflects different calculation methods and timing of asset valuations. None of the sources provide an audited figure.
Does John Torode own a restaurant?
What restaurants does John Torode own?
Torode previously owned and operated the restaurants The Luxe and Smiths of Smithfield in London. He also co‑owned a restaurant with his wife Lisa Faulkner under the name “John Torode & Lisa Faulkner”.
Does John Torode still have a restaurant?
As of the most recent reports, Torode is no longer directly running restaurants. One source indicates he “no longer owns any restaurants,” though he continues to make appearances at food festivals and cook‑along events. His focus remains on television and cookbook projects.
John Torode Career and Life Timeline
- – Born in Bega, New South Wales, Australia.
- – Moves to London; works at Quaglino’s, becomes head chef at Conran restaurants.
- – Opens his own restaurant, Smiths of Smithfield.
- – Becomes a judge on the revamped MasterChef (BBC One).
- – Opens restaurant “John Torode & Lisa Faulkner” in London.
- – Marries Lisa Faulkner.
- – Rumors circulate about MasterChef departure; Torode confirms he stays.
- – Continues as MasterChef judge; net worth estimated at £5–6 million.
What is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| John Torode has been a MasterChef judge since 2005. | Exact net worth varies by source; estimates range from £4 million to £8 million. |
| He married Lisa Faulkner in 2019. | The future of his role on MasterChef beyond 2025 is not officially confirmed. |
| He has two sons from a previous marriage and a stepdaughter with Faulkner. | Details of his early career and specific restaurant ownerships may be incomplete. |
| He was born on 23 July 1965 in Bega, Australia. | A single source lists a 1956 birth year, though the majority agree on 1965. |
| He has written several cookbooks and owned (or co‑owned) restaurants. | – |
Why John Torode’s Career Matters
John Torode is a pivotal figure in British food television, credited – alongside Gregg Wallace – with popularizing competitive cooking shows through MasterChef. His Australian background and classical French training brought a distinctive style to the BBC. His marriage to fellow food personality Lisa Faulkner has created a media‑friendly brand. The recent “MasterChef axe” rumors reflect constant speculation about TV show lineups, but as of 2025 Torode remains a core part of the franchise.
Readers interested in other celebrity food personalities may find the profile of Martha Stewart – Age, Net Worth, Career & Comeback a useful comparison. And for a MasterChef connection, Megan McKenna – Net Worth, Husband, Music Career & More covers a former Celebrity MasterChef contestant.
Selected Quotes and Key Sources
“I love food, I love cooking, and I love people who are passionate about it.” – John Torode
“MasterChef is the best job in the world.” – John Torode (BBC interview)
Additional information was drawn from Wikipedia: John Torode Biography, BBC Food: John Torode Recipes and Profile, and Good Food Show: John Torode.
What’s Next for John Torode?
With MasterChef continuing to air, Torode is expected to remain on the judging panel. He may release new cookbooks and expand his restaurant ventures. The “MasterChef axe” rumors are likely to resurface periodically, but no official exit has been announced as of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Torode’s nationality?
He is Australian‑born and also holds British citizenship.
How did John Torode become famous?
He gained fame as a judge on the BBC series MasterChef, starting in 2005.
How many children does John Torode have?
He has four children: two sons from a previous marriage and a stepdaughter with Lisa Faulkner.
What cookbooks has John Torode written?
His published works include Sydney to Seoul, My Kind of Food, and John and Lisa’s Kitchen.
Is John Torode leaving MasterChef?
As of 2025, he remains a judge. Rumors of departure have not been confirmed.
How long has John Torode been a MasterChef judge?
He has been a judge since the revamped show launched in 2005 – over two decades.
What restaurants did John Torode own?
He owned The Luxe, Smiths of Smithfield, and a restaurant co‑named with his wife.
Does John Torode still own a restaurant?
Recent reports indicate he no longer owns any restaurants.
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