Lisa Faulkner Sets the Record Straight on Her Relationship with John Torode
TV chefs John Torode and Lisa Faulkner, who first met over a decade ago on MasterChef, have become one of the most beloved celebrity couples on British television. While John is known for his no-nonsense approach on the BBC’s iconic cooking competition, his charm shines through on John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen alongside his wife Lisa, a former Brookside actress.
Their ITV cooking programme stems from a long-running connection that began during Lisa’s time on Celebrity MasterChef, where their friendship would eventually grow into something deeper. Before crossing paths with Lisa, 59-year-old John had been married to his ex-wife Jessica, with whom he shares two children. Lisa, in turn, was married to EastEnders actor Chris Coghill, and they share an adopted daughter named Billie, as reported by The Daily Record.
Despite rumors about the start of their relationship, Lisa has been firm that their connection remained strictly professional while both were with their previous partners. She recalled feeling immense pressure during the competition, saying, “He was a judge on a show I loved and I was petrified of him. He was brilliant and gave us all tips, so you didn’t want to let him down.” Lisa added, “All I could think was, ‘That sauce hasn’t worked.’ I didn’t see anything but food for three months.”
The dynamic shifted post-MasterChef, as Lisa shared with the Daily Mail in 2013. It was John’s handwritten letter that sparked something new. “John and I were friends. Neither of us thought of it as anything else until… I don’t know how things change, but something does. He asked me on a date. We went out for dinner. Then it was slightly different.” Lisa emphasized how happy they were together but stressed they were “taking things slowly” out of respect for those around them.
John later admitted his method of writing the letter was out of fear. “I’d separated from my wife, which was awful, and I was reluctant to approach Lisa face to face… Cowardly? S*, yeah. I’m as cowardly as they get,” he confessed.
The couple married in October 2019, and their bond remains strong. John believes a successful marriage comes down to “a really well-made bed” and “having that sanctuary of a place to go to.” Lisa added that their secret is simple: “We really like and fancy each other!”
Lisa also expressed her pride in John receiving an MBE last year, telling OK Magazine, “It’s an amazing achievement and the fact he got to meet Prince William! Out of everybody in the royal family, that’s who I’d have liked to have met!”