BBC Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt warmly welcomed back co-star Poppy O'Toole to the popular culinary programme, following the birth of her baby daughter towards the end of last year.
A Heartwarming Return to the Kitchen
Kicking off the Saturday morning episode on January 24th, host Matt Tebbutt offered his sincere congratulations to the returning chef. "Now, Poppy, good to have you back," he said warmly. "You always deliver brilliant food. Recently, you delivered a baby. Congratulations, Poppy!"
The celebrity chef, known for her viral TikTok presence and authorship of The Potato Book, graciously accepted the well-wishes. "Thank you very much," she responded, revealing a sweet detail about her new family life. "She's watching at home. In the hotel room."
Matt Tebbutt humorously quipped about the newborn's likely fascination, saying, "Staring at lights. That age, isn't it? Looking at lights!" The exchange highlighted the friendly and supportive atmosphere on the long-running BBC One show.
Announcing the 'Baby Potato'
Poppy O'Toole, who is married to Tom Shattock, first shared her joyful news with followers on Instagram in December. Alongside a series of photos showing her cradling her newborn beside a Christmas tree, she wrote: "The baby potato arrived last week, and she is doing amazingly. Thanks for all the love and messages."
Given Poppy's well-earned reputation as the 'Potato Queen' of the culinary world, numerous fans and supporters have playfully suggested she choose a potato-inspired name for her daughter. Suggestions from her online community have included playful culinary references like:
- Dauphinoise
- Duchesse
However, the couple has maintained privacy regarding their chosen name for their new arrival, keeping fans guessing.
An Outpouring of Celebrity Congratulations
The TV star, who has also made appearances on ITV's This Morning, received an enormous wave of well-wishes after announcing her baby news before Christmas. Comments flooded her social media, with one admirer writing on Instagram: "Congratulations guys, she might be the best potato you've ever cooked."
Another viewer described the news as "fantastic," while a fellow fan declared it "amazing news." One well-wisher posted: "So happy for you on the birthday of your spudlet!!!" with others simply branding the baby "adorable."
Among the notable figures offering congratulations was celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. He wrote in the comments section of her post: "Congratulations to you both, sending lots of love from all the Ramsays." This gesture underscored the supportive network within the culinary and entertainment industries.
Poppy O'Toole's return to Saturday Kitchen marks a happy moment for the show and its viewers, blending professional culinary expertise with personal celebration. The programme continues to air on BBC One on Saturdays from 10am.
