BBC star Matt Tebbutt shared a message with Saturday Kitchen viewers after guest James Acaster punched a polar bear figurine and attacked Christmas decorations live on air
Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time
10:44, 13 Dec 2025
Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt reassured concerned fans minutes into the latest episode
Matt Tebbutt has reassured fans after last weekend’s chaotic Saturday Kitchen episode.
The 51-year-old presenter was back in the kitchen on Saturday (December 13) to present the latest instalment of the popular cooking programme.
He welcomed Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville to the show but before he spoke to the actor Matt addressed last Saturday’s “shenanigans”.
Fans were left gobsmacked during December 6’s episode as comedian James Acaster punched Saturday Kitchen’s polar bear figurine and attacked their Christmas decorations in a moment viewers crowned “TV moment of the year.
A segment in which guest Ed Gamble’s tapas dish was pitted against James’ panettone tiramisu, with viewers choosing the former which prompted James to cause chaos on set.
The 51-year-old presenter was back in the kitchen on Saturday(Image: BBC)
Laughter rang out across the studio as James rose from his seat to flip a wreath on the table, punch the polar bear decoration and attack the Christmas tree.
In the studio, the guests howled with laughter, but at home, not everyone was ready to raise a glass to the tantrum as they soon took to social media.
One Instagram user complained: “James Acaster’s behaviour was disgraceful. He absolutely ruined the show today. Please never have him on again.”
Fans were left gobsmacked during December 6’s episode as comedian James Acaster punched Saturday Kitchen’s polar bear figurine and attacked their Christmas decorations
Another agreed: “Love this show, but please don’t invite James again. He’s NOT funny and ruined this weeks show.”
However, someone else hailed the chaotic segment was “TV moment of the year” and a fourth commenter declared: “That has been the best episode yet. So great to see the boys on form.”
Addressing the outburst, Matt said: “Now, before we go on, we just want to say on behalf of the whole team and guests on last week’s show, thank you all the viewers who commented about the end of the show’s shenanigans.
James appeared on last week’s show with Ed Gamble(Image: BBC)
“This is a live entertainment programme and we are used to spontaneity, particularly by guests who happen to be comedians.
“In answer to those who were concerned, absolutely nobody here was offended as you can see, Paul the polar bear is fine and not a bauble was broken.”
He added: “Luckily this morning my guest knows how to look after a bear” in a cheeky reference to Paddington star Hugh being on the show.
Saturday Kitchen airs weekly on BBC One at 10am
