Saturday Kitchen fans furious as live show pulled off air in schedule shake up
SATURDAY Kitchen fans were left up in arms as the live BBC show was pulled from the schedule.
It came after we reported how BBC Breakfast had been taken off air two hours early in a shock change to the regular TV proceedings.
While Saturday Kitchen viewers did get their fix of host Matt Tebbutt at 10am, the programme had switched from BBC One to BBC Two.
Not only that, but the show’s food heaven and hell scenarios appeared very familiar to regular viewers – who recognised them as repeats.
Instead of airing a live show, programme bosses had opted to re-run a highlights reel of the best bits through the months.
It was dubbed Saturday Kitchen’s Tastiest Treats and featured recipes from chefs including Gennaro Contaldo, Yotam Ottolenghi and Paul Ainsworth.
One angry fan took to X to moan: “Another chance to show more REPEATS this program really is going downhill fast and no brakes.”
Another put: “That’s called Best Bites. Run out of ideas and guests?”
It appears another repeat is on the cards for next week, too.
After today’s episode, Saturday Kitchen’s page on X posted a message which read: “Next Saturday we’re bringing you some of the funniest and most entertaining moments from #SaturdayKitchen!
“Join us next Saturday at 10am on @BBCTwo to see what’s included!”
The schedules were disrupted due to the first day of coverage for the Paris 2024 Olympics, following a stunning performance by Lady Gaga on the banks of the River Seine during the Opening Ceremony.
I’m Alive hitmaker Celine Dion also made a surprise appearance amid her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, leaving fans speechless as she performed in the Eiffel Tower after the lighting of the Olympic torch.
Yet as the sporting events – including Diving and Swimming – began today, the schedules were shifted completely.
On BBC One on Saturday, Naga Munchetty, 49, bid farewell to BBC One viewers at 8am, as she sat on BBC Breakfast’s iconic red sofa alongside co-host Charlie Stayt, 62.
The duo ordinarily front Saturday’s BBC Breakfast instalment until 10am.
Yet in a major programming change, viewers missed out on two hours of news, sport and topical entertainment.
Charlie said: “Lots to look forward to of course, the Olympics are officially under way.”
Naga continued: “Hence we will be leaving you now.
“But of course Breakfast will be back tomorrow from 6am.
“Thanks for watching – enjoy your weekend.”
Charlie then added: “Bye bye,” before the episode’s iconic theme tune played out.
The change-around also meant viewers missed out on Naga’s signature handover banter with Matt.
Recently, she took a brutal swipe at the foodie as she poked fun at his clothing.
Naga also told him he could “make more of an effort” in an equally cutting swipe.
And when Matt almost lost his voice, it was prime time for Naga’s sense of humour to kick in as she couldn’t resist a comment.