Chef John Torode has stated that his wife Lisa Faulkner’s breast cancer diagnosis “changed absolutely everything,” according to an interview with The Times. The 54-year-old actress and television cook revealed her diagnosis in July, disclosing that she had already undergone surgery for early-stage breast cancer and would be proceeding with radiotherapy.
The couple have faced a difficult period alongside the health diagnosis, with Mr Torode losing his long-standing role on MasterChef following an allegation of using racist language that was upheld during an investigation, and their ITV show John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen reportedly facing cancellation. Despite these setbacks, Mr Torode emphasized that his wife’s health eclipses all other concerns.
John Torode on Wife Lisa Faulkner’s Health Battle
Reflecting on the upheaval, Mr Torode told The Times, “Life changes, doesn’t it?” He added, “When doors close, something else opens up. It takes time; grieving takes time, but it has got to be about your positive attitude.”
Ms Faulkner offered a similar perspective on the diagnosis, telling The Times, “Cancer comes along and knocks you again, and you suddenly realise that none of the other stuff matters.”
She continued: “It feels like you are suddenly in a film of your life. Your life is stark. You suddenly realise what is important and the rest goes out of the window.”
Lisa Faulkner Cancer Diagnosis and NHS Mammogram Message
When Ms Faulkner broke the news to her followers on Instagram Stories in July, she explained that her absence from social media was due to her medical treatment. “I had surgery two weeks ago; it was quite a big op, but it’s all good, and I’ve got my results back, and they’ve got everything out,” she wrote.
The former EastEnders star confirmed she had received the all-clear and would need radiotherapy in the coming weeks. She used the announcement to deliver a message to other women, writing: “I just wanted to say don’t put them off, go, because they found this and without that mammogram it wouldn’t have been picked up.”
Did you know? Lisa Faulkner publicly thanked the NHS for providing accessible mammograms and early treatment, noting that the routine screening was vital in detecting her early-stage breast cancer before symptoms appeared.
She also expressed gratitude toward fans whose messages of support had “really touched” her. Days after the announcement, Ms Faulkner shared a birthday tribute to her husband on Instagram, writing: “What a year it’s been but we held each others hands and I couldn’t have got through these past few months without you by my side…”
Career Upheaval and Marriage History
The health battle compounds a challenging period for the couple professionally. Mr Torode was dropped from MasterChef after an allegation he used racist language was upheld during an internal investigation, though the chef stated he had “no recollection” of the alleged incident.
The couple married in October 2019 after meeting on Celebrity MasterChef in 2010 and beginning a relationship a couple of years later. They currently co-host the ITV culinary program John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Lisa Faulkner reveal her breast cancer diagnosis?
Lisa Faulkner revealed her diagnosis on Instagram Stories in July, sharing that she had undergone surgery two weeks prior to remove early-stage breast cancer.
What treatment did Lisa Faulkner receive?
She underwent a major surgical operation to remove the cancer and confirmed she was given the all-clear, with plans to undergo radiotherapy in the following weeks.
How long have John Torode and Lisa Faulkner been married?
The couple married in October 2019 after meeting on the set of Celebrity MasterChef in 2010.
What television shows do John Torode and Lisa Faulkner work on together?
They co-host the ITV cooking show John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen.
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