Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt forced to stop show and issue apology after guest’s on-air screaming meltdown
SATURDAY Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt halted today’s episode as he was forced to address chaotic scenes from last week.
In a clip that has gone viral from December 10th’s episode, stand-up comedian James Acaster was seen trashing the set after losing out to a public vote.
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Matt Tebbutt addressed the awkward moment after it went viralCredit: BBC
James Acaster was seen trashing the set in fury after losing out on a public voteCredit: BBC
Viewers opted to choose Ed Gamble’s tapas over James’s pannetone tiramisuCredit: BBC
While some viewers hailed it “a late entrant for TV moment of the year” others have berated the comedian for being a “sore loser” and “childish” in his behaviour.
As the cooking favourite returned this Saturday morning, Matt put an end to the debate by addressing it head on.
“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,” he told the cameras.
“This is a live entertainment programme and we are used to spontaneity, particularly by guests who happen to be comedians.
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“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 later added that this week they had “guests who know how to look after a bear” – a clear cheeky jab at James punching a polar bear decoration, in comparison to Paddington star, Hugh Bonneville, who was in the studio this week.
During last week’s episode, James Acaster appeared alongside his Off Menu podcast co-host Ed Gamble, Great British Menu’s Andi Oliver and author Tasha Marikkar.
Ed and James went head-to-head in the public vote for the “heaven or hell” dish, with Ed picking tapas three-ways and James choosing a pannetone tiramisu.
Both dishes play into a running gag on their podcast, where James is famed for having a sweet tooth while Ed – who is diabetic – prefers a savoury cheeseboard.
When Matt read out the result of the vote, James started screaming when he realised he had lost.
As Ed raised his hands in victory, the rest of the panel descended into fits of laughter as an exaggerated James stood up, swiped a wreath and miniature presents from the table, and punched the life-size polar bear decoration behind him in the face.
He then started throwing decorations and trying to tear down the Christmas tree positioned behind Ed.
While those in the studio clearly took it all in good fun, viewers at home were left more divided by the moment, with some joking about what happened while others labelled his behaviour “nasty and vile” and demanding he be banned from returning.
“When I woke up this morning, James Acaster knocking a polar bear spark out on Saturday morning TV was the last thing I expected to see. This whole moment was just an absolutely incredible experience,” one fan wrote on X.
Another declared him “Mr Blobby for Zoomers” while a third said: “Honestly this man is a national treasure and we should protect him at all costs.”
Those who weren’t so impressed said: “It was disgraceful and embarrassing for Matt and the other guests who were too shocked to condemn him.”
“I hope they made him put it all back together…. He’s an immature p***k” said another, while a third said: “I think he is funny – but I actually turned over when he did this. Not nice.”
As Ed celebrated, James leaped out of his chair and punched a polar bear before trashing the setCredit: BBC
The guests were seen in hysterical laughter as the comedian went on a rampageCredit: BBC
James attempted to destroy a Christmas tree before finally sitting back downCredit: BBC
