Despite not being well-known, Jessica Torode is still the subject of quiet fascination because of her marriage to MasterChef UK judge and celebrity chef John Torode. Her life has continued to pique interest even after she distanced herself from the spotlight following their split. In relation to John, this article examines what is known about her upbringing, life experiences, and lasting legacy.
Who Is Jessica Torode?
The most well-known aspect of Jessica Torode (née Jessica Thomas) is that she was once married to MasterChef judge John Torode. Even while married to one of Britain’s most famous chefs, Jessica has always led a modest and private life, avoiding the spotlight, in contrast to her ex-husband, who rose to prominence as a TV personality.
The Rise of Jessica Torode
The main reason Jessica’s name became well-known was because of her marriage to John Torode. After meeting in the late 1990s, the couple moved in together in 1999 and got married in 2000. Jessica concentrated on raising their children, Jonah and Lulu, in their family home in Streatham, south-west London, while John was moving up the culinary ladder.
Jessica Torode Biography

Category | Details |
Full Name | Jessica Torode (née Jessica Thomas) |
Known For | Former wife of celebrity chef John Torode |
Nationality | Australian (likely, based on residence and connection to John Torode) |
Birth Year | Not publicly known (likely in her 50s) |
Age (As of 2025) | Estimated mid to late 50s |
Profession | Not publicly disclosed |
Famous Relation | Ex-wife of MasterChef UK judge John Torode |
Marriage Date | 2000 (moved in together in 1999) |
Divorce Finalized | 2014 (separated in late 2011) |
Children with John Torode | Jonah (son), Lulu (daughter) |
Stepchildren | Marselle and Casper (John’s sons from previous relationship) |
Current Marital Status | Divorced |
Public Appearances | None known |
Media Involvement | Always kept a low profile |
Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; assumed financially stable |
Residence (During Marriage) | Streatham, South-West London (five-bedroom mansion) |
Social Media Presence | No known public profiles; maintains full privacy |
Famous Quote About Her | “She keeps my feet firmly on the ground… says, ‘You were being a t**t, Torode.’” — John Torode |
Jessica Torode Age
Although Jessica’s exact birthdate is unknown to the general public, she married John Torode in 2000. She is probably in her mid- to late-fifties, which is about the same age as John (who was born in 1965).
Trending or News Angle
Following the contentious BBC decision to fire John Torode from MasterChef, Jessica’s name has recently come back into the spotlight. Following an investigation that found he had used a highly offensive racist term, he was fired. Similar charges that resulted in Gregg Wallace’s departure were followed by the fallout. Despite having no direct connection to the controversy, Jessica’s previous marriage to John has reignited interest.
Jessica Torode Career Focus, Achievements, and Impact
Jessica’s work history, accomplishments, and media roles are not publicly available. While purposefully avoiding the public and professional spotlight, Jessica concentrated on her family and raising their kids during her time with John.
Thoughtful and Inspirational Leadership
Jessica’s story is subtly inspirational; despite her marriage, divorce, and growing celebrity, she chose privacy over publicity in a time when private lives are frequently used for media advantage. Under scrutiny, her discretion is a testament to her fortitude, grace, and resiliency.
Jessica Torode Relationship
John Torode, a well-known Australian celebrity chef and television host, was Jessica’s husband. After John proposed in a romantic manner, lining the hallway with candles and concealing the ring inside a diary, they were married. Their relationship began in the late 1990s. Before splitting up, they were wed for more than ten years.
Jessica Torode Marrital Status
After splitting up around Christmas 2011, Jessica and John got a formal divorce in 2014. Jessica hasn’t gotten married since the divorce and is still living a life away from the spotlight.
Timeline Overview
Year | Milestone |
2000 | Married John Torode |
2005 | John begins hosting MasterChef UK |
2011 | Jessica & John separate |
2014 | Divorce finalized |
Post‑2014 | Lives privately, focused on family, minimal public presence |
Jessica Torode Family and Children
John and Jessica Torode have two children together:
- Jonah (son)
- Lulu, the daughter
John also has two older sons, Marselle and Casper, with a previous partner Angela, a lady who, like Jessica, does not want to be named.
Jessica Torode Net Worth
There are no confirmed professional roles attributed to Jessica, and her private net worth is not disclosed. However, she likely remains comfortably situated post-divorce due to her prior marriage to a successful chef and their shared wealth (e.g., their Streatham mansion).
Jessica Torode Social Media Presence
Jessica Torode does not have any publicly available social media platforms. Unlike most celebrity wives, she never posted personal status updates, anecdotes, or opinions on social media, showing her commitment to privacy.
Conclusion
Quiet determination is the signature of Jessica Torode’s existence. Her choice has always been one of secrecy, though her celebrity status of her ex-husband exposed her to the public eye. She remains largely anonymous beyond her status as a mother and a former wife, but in itself that is a measure of a certain depth of authenticity. Her story reminds us of the value of having a private life and of the bravery needed to stay out of the limelight in order to protect one’s own and one’s family’s health.
FAQ’s
Jessica Torode (née Heywood) is best known for her marriage to celebrity chef John Torode. Since their divorce, she has maintained a very private life.
They married in 2000, separated in 2011, and finalized their divorce in 2014.
Yes— they have two children: Lulu (daughter) and Jonah (son).