John Torode says Lisa Faulkner’s breast cancer diagnosis ‘changed everything’ as couple reflect on difficult year

John Torode has opened up about the profound impact of his wife Lisa Faulkner’s breast cancer diagnosis, saying the news has completely changed the way the couple view what matters in life.

The 61-year-old former MasterChef star spoke candidly about the difficult period as he and 54-year-old actress Lisa continue to focus on her recovery and their life together.

For Torode, the experience has put health and family firmly at the centre of his priorities.

Speaking to The Times, he said: “The most important thing to me is health and being with my wife, Lisa, and if I have that, everything else pales into insignificance.”

He added: “Lisa’s breast cancer diagnosis this year changed absolutely everything.”

Lisa says cancer changed her perspective too

Lisa echoed her husband’s feelings, explaining that her diagnosis had forced her to reconsider what is truly important.

“Cancer comes along and knocks you again and you suddenly realise that none of the other stuff matters,” she told the publication.

“It changes everything. You suddenly realise what is important and the rest goes out of the window.”

The couple, who present the ITV cooking series John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen together, have supported each other through what has been a particularly challenging year.

Lisa previously spoke publicly about her diagnosis in July, revealing that she had already undergone surgery after doctors detected breast cancer at an early stage.

She said at the time that she had received her results and was told the cancer had been removed, although she would still need to undergo radiotherapy. ITV also reported that the diagnosis was discovered through a mammogram, which Lisa subsequently urged other women not to delay.

Lisa’s heartfelt birthday tribute to John

A few weeks after revealing her diagnosis, Lisa shared a touching photograph of herself with Torode as they celebrated his 61st birthday.

Reflecting on the difficult months they had been through, she praised her husband for standing by her throughout her treatment.

“I couldn’t have got through these past few months without you by my side,” she wrote.

Her full tribute began: “Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband @johntorodecooks I hope you have the best day my best friend…”

She continued: “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…”

Lisa went on to describe Torode as “the kindest man with the gentlest biggest heart”, adding that he made her “heart thump”.

She also shared a glimpse of one of their quieter moments together, writing that she was looking forward to “a birthday coffee in our spot in the garden”.

“I love you my Johno and so does [our dog] Rory,” she added.

The couple married in October 2019 after first meeting on MasterChef in 2010. They began a relationship a couple of years later before tying the knot.

Lisa reveals she is ‘all clear’ after surgery

Lisa first told her followers about her diagnosis in July, explaining that her recent silence on social media had been because she was undergoing treatment.

The actress said she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in its very early stages and had undergone surgery two weeks earlier.

“I know I’ve been very quiet on here, reason being I have had to have surgery for the early stages of breast cancer,” she explained.

“I had surgery two weeks ago, it was quite a big op but it’s all good and I’ve my results back and they’ve got everything out.”

Lisa said she had been told she was clear following the operation, but still had further treatment ahead.

“So it’s all clear and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks,” she said.

She added that she still had some recovery ahead but was feeling considerably better.

“I just wanted to say I’ve got a bit of healing to do but I’m good. I’m well and feeling so much better and I’m so grateful I went for my mammogram.”

Lisa urges women not to delay mammograms

Alongside sharing her own experience, Lisa used the announcement to encourage others to attend their breast screening appointments.

She stressed that her mammogram had been crucial in detecting the cancer at an early stage.

“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,” she said.

Lisa also expressed her gratitude to the NHS for providing access to mammograms and early treatment.

“Thank you to our wonderful NHS and the fact we can have these mammograms and we can get treatment early.”

After her announcement, Lisa returned to thank people who had sent messages of support, acknowledging that many of her followers had either experienced cancer themselves or knew someone going through it.

“Thank you for all of your support and your lovely messages. I promise I will read every word,” she wrote.

“So many of you going through this or know someone who is. Your love and kindness has really touched me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

For Lisa and Torode, the diagnosis has brought a difficult period, but their recent reflections show how strongly they have relied on each other. As Torode put it, having his wife and her health has become more important to him than everything else.