Actress Lisa Faulkner and her other half John Torode have spent more than ten years together, sharing both their home and professional lives. Whilst that arrangement might spell trouble for some couples, for these two it works beautifully.
The duo first crossed paths on Celebrity MasterChef four years before romance blossomed, eventually marrying in 2019. Their shared passion for cooking brought them together and continues to be the glue in their relationship.
It’s even led to them fronting their own programme, John And Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen.
Speaking about the secret to their lasting bond, Lisa, who’s currently touring the UK in the stage production of Single White Female, explains: “We have each other’s backs. He’s fantastic at what he does – the kindest, most wonderful man and very funny. It’s so lovely to see him shine, and I think he feels the same about me.”
With evident warmth, she continues, “To cook with John, and to do our cooking shows together, it’s so great. He’s a proper chef and I’m a home cook, but we teach each other different bits. I learn so much from him. That’s the key. I really respect him and what he does.”
It’s their genuine rapport and playful exchanges that make their intimate cooking programmes so engaging. Lisa confesses, “We don’t script anything. When people come around to ours, they say it’s like watching an episode of our show.”
Despite their contrasting culinary heritages, there’s one meal where Lisa believes she has the upper hand over John.
“I cook roast dinners better. Though he did make a very good one last weekend. Usually my Yorkshire puddings and my roast potatoes have the edge – but his were amazing.”
On their rare days away from hectic work commitments, Lisa reveals they savour peaceful, leisurely mornings together in bed, strolls with their beloved miniature Schnauzer Rory – whom they describe as their “little ray of sunshine” – and naturally, some time in the kitchen.
“Usually I love to be up early when the sun comes up and take the dog for a walk – but now my days off start slightly later. Johnand I have a nice cup of tea in bed, chat about the day, then take the dog for a walk and buy the food we want to cook, come home and cook and watch TV,” she explains. “It’s simple pleasures.”
At present, such tranquil days are few and far between as Lisa, aged 53, is immersed in her performance in Single White Female. Marking her first theatre role in more than 20 years, the production means time apart from London and her 60 year old partner, former MasterChef presenter John – though the couple are navigating the separation admirably.
“I have Sundays and Mondays off, so my lovely John has picked me up every Saturday night so far from where I’ve been and we drive back chatting in the car,” she shares. “He’s come to see the show twice in two weeks. We have two days together, then he packs me off with lovely soup and noodles.”
In Lisa’s situation, the old saying about absence and fondness certainly rings true.
She reveals, “I really miss him because we normally spend so much time together. Suddenly, we’re apart – this is new. He’s been so supportive, though. He said when I got the offer, ‘You’ve got to take this job, it’s going to be great for you.'”.
Another person she’s longing for whilst touring is her daughter Billie, 19, whom she adopted at 17 months old with her former husband, actor Chris Coghill. Although Billie is now grown up, giving Lisa greater flexibility, their connection remains incredibly close.
“Having my daughter when I did, I made the choice to be at home more and not travel as far for work. I didn’t take as many acting jobs as they’d have taken me away from her. I wanted to be there for my girl. Trying to balance being present as a mum and present in your job, it’s not easy,” she acknowledges.
“But now it’s amazing because she can come to see me on tour. It’s been so cool to have her at the show. I have a brilliant relationship with Billie. I just love her to the moon and back. To see her grow into this incredible young woman has been amazing.”
Beyond her family circle, Lisa maintains a tight-knit group of female friends whom she speaks with frequently and who “support each other completely”. Her inner circle features actresses Angela Griffin, Sarah Parish, Amanda Holden, Nicola Stephenson and Tamzin Outhwaite.
“We have a besties chat we use all the time. We’re all doing different things but we speak nearly every day. We’ve got such a lovely girl group,” Lisa reveals. “They’re all coming to see me on tour, but they’re not allowed to tell me when. What a powerful group of women. I feel very blessed to call them my friends.”
When life throws challenges her way, Lisa knows her mates have got her back, no questions asked. “Female friendships are really very special,” she shares with us.
“We may be in an industry that looks shiny and glossy, but anyone who really knows it knows exactly what it’s like. They’re kind, real people. We support each other and hold each other up.”
She continues, “I’m lucky to have people who hold your hand through thick and thin. Whatever ups and downs are happening, they’ll be like, ‘We’re on our way, with tea and cake.'”.
Girls’ getaways are a must for her tight-knit crew as well, she explains. “We do a weekend at least once a year where we all sit around in our pyjamas, make food and just chat for hours. We literally don’t come up for air for three days.”
Armed with that rock-solid circle of support, Lisa is returning to the stage for the first time in over two decades. Single White Female is a stage version of the cult 90s psychological thriller that starred Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh as her dangerously fixated flatmate.
The production tells the tale of newly divorced mum Allie, portrayed by Lisa, who’s juggling single parenthood whilst launching her innovative tech venture. Requiring a lodger, Allie welcomes Hedy, portrayed by former Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh.
However, their increasingly entangled lives soon lead to disturbing ramifications for them both.
Reflecting on making this move after such a lengthy period, Lisa explains, “I was a bit reticent at first, but I think the universe hands you things at the right time. It came from the sky and I’m really pleased it did. To be in front of live audiences, to meet people and see all the cities I don’t really see is quite a buzz.
“I’ve acted since I was 19 and it’s something that makes my heart beat like nothing else. Here, I get to do it every night and it’s different every time. I love the energy of this production.”
Regardless of her extensive background, Lisa still experiences pre-show jitters. “I do have a few bubbles of nerves. On the first night, Kym was amazing. She came and held my hand on the side in the wings before I went on. She was like, ‘I’m here, I’ve got you.’ I’m so lucky to have her.”
Collaborating with an intimate company on her latest theatrical venture has proved invaluable for Lisa. “We all get into a circle, hold hands and say affirmations and repeat them back to one another. It’s something Kym had done on one of her shows and it’s a really lovely thing. I will take it with me everywhere,” she reveals.
And developing a friendship with Kym, she notes, has been amongst the most wonderful aspects. “She’s a joy. We get on so well. She’s worked with my best friend Angela Griffin, who told me I’d love her, and it’s true.”
Regarding what lies ahead, Lisa has several thrilling ventures on the horizon, though she’s remaining tight-lipped about the details for the time being.
In the meantime, she confesses she’s incredibly proud of herself for embracing this latest challenge. “It’s terrifying and it’s scary – but I’m jumping in headfirst.”