Quick Read
- Lisa Faulkner sparked public debate over serving Yorkshire pudding at Christmas dinner.
- She and husband John Torode share a passion for cooking and constantly learn from each other.
- Their six-year marriage has blended families and navigated professional changes, including Torode’s departure from MasterChef.
Lisa Faulkner has never been one to shy away from stirring the pot—literally and figuratively. When the celebrated British actress and chef hopped onto BBC Radio to share her Christmas plans with her husband, fellow culinary star John Torode, she probably didn’t expect her festive menu to ignite a national debate. But that’s exactly what happened when she confessed: “John and I love cooking, so to us, we just sit in bed, make our little list of what we are going to cook.”
The couple’s approach to Christmas dinner is both methodical and deeply personal. Faulkner outlined their division of labor: “I’ll do cauliflower cheese, I’ll make Yorkshire puddings.” The mention of Yorkshire puddings for Christmas sparked a wave of listener reactions. Some fans were gleeful—“YES! Defo Yorkshires!!! Wouldn’t be Christmas without them”—while others recoiled at the idea, insisting, “Definitely not with Turkey! Yorkshire puddings only with beef.” It’s a debate as old as the roast itself, with the Yorkshire pudding occupying a fiercely contested spot on the British festive table.
The controversy isn’t new. In fact, it’s almost a seasonal tradition in itself, reminiscent of arguments over cranberry sauce or Brussels sprouts. Some view Christmas dinner as a license to go all-in with “all the trimmings,” while others hold fast to tradition: if there’s no beef, there shouldn’t be Yorkies. The reactions, as reported by Express, reveal a microcosm of British culinary identity—one that Faulkner and Torode navigate with both humor and conviction.
Yet, beyond the dinner table debates, the partnership between Lisa Faulkner and John Torode is a testament to both personal and professional harmony. Having been married for six years, their relationship has evolved quietly but steadily. Torode, known for his long stint on BBC’s MasterChef (until his departure in October), and Faulkner, an accomplished actress and chef, launched their joint ITV show “John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen” in July. Their chemistry, both on and off screen, is palpable.
In a candid interview with The Herald Magazine, Torode, 60, reflected on their journey: “Lisa and I learn from each other all the time. As we have been cooking and working together for many years, I am sure things have changed. However, since it’s been a constant and consistent journey, it’s not something that we feel is noticeable.” Faulkner echoed his sentiments, emphasizing their shared enjoyment in the kitchen and their mutual commitment to learning: “We’re always learning from each other. We often do things differently, so I know I’m always learning something new from John, and I’m sure he would say the same.”
It’s not just about food, either. The couple’s ability to blend their lives—Faulkner bringing her daughter into the fold, Torode his two children from a previous relationship—speaks to the resilience and adaptability of modern families. Their seven-year age gap provides comic fodder, with Faulkner gently ribbing Torode’s love for Supertramp classics, saying, “I just can’t do it, I’m sorry.” But it’s clear that beneath the laughter is a foundation of respect and shared values, particularly around budgeting and minimizing food waste.
Their marriage, as described in news.ssbcrack.com, is marked by “constant and consistent” growth. Despite the ups and downs of public life, their shared passions—cooking, travel, and family—remain the glue that binds them. For fans, their relationship is both aspirational and relatable, proof that love, like a good recipe, requires equal measures of patience, adaptation, and joy.
As for the Yorkshire pudding debate, perhaps it’s best seen as a reflection of the couple’s willingness to embrace both tradition and innovation. They aren’t afraid to challenge conventions, whether in the kitchen or in life. And while the British public may never agree on what belongs on the Christmas plate, Faulkner and Torode’s story reminds us that what matters most is the spirit in which we gather, cook, and celebrate.
Lisa Faulkner’s open approach to family, food, and festive traditions highlights how even the smallest culinary choices can spark national conversation. Her partnership with John Torode demonstrates that growth in relationships—like experimentation in the kitchen—can be subtle yet deeply rewarding, especially when guided by shared values and mutual respect.