This week's live broadcast of BBC One's Saturday Kitchen was anything but a smooth culinary affair, as host Matt Tebbutt found himself firmly in the doghouse with guest Andi Oliver. The celebrity chef and Great British Menu presenter delivered a stern telling-off to Tebbutt on two separate occasions during the show on Saturday, 6th December.
A Recipe for Conflict
Joined by chef Tasha Marikkar, Andi Oliver was on set to demonstrate how to cook a Sri Lankan chicken biryani with plantain and Caribbean spiced roast chicken wings. The episode also featured comedian guests Ed Gamble and James Acaster, who were promoting their Off Menu live shows. The tension began when an eager Matt Tebbutt attempted to sample the half-cooked chicken, drawing immediate warnings from both chefs about dipping into pots indiscriminately.
"It's a food show! I want to try things!" Tebbutt protested. An exasperated Oliver shot back: "Alright, stop shouting at me! He keeps shouting at me, he just does it all the time!" The host took the initial admonishment in good humour, laughing and offering an apology with a hug, which was accepted with a grinning "Be nice to me."
Prison Officer Presenting Style
The peace was short-lived. Moments later, when introducing the Caribbean ingredient jaggery (palm sugar), Oliver handed it to Tebbutt to present to the other guests. She grew increasingly irritated as he grabbed a piece for himself and then slid it across the table towards them. "Don't throw it at people!" she exclaimed, advising him to gently offer it instead.
"I'm not a waiter!" Tebbutt defended himself, to which Oliver chuckled and applauded, saying "You can try!" The host's direct style was then highlighted by comedian Ed Gamble. After Tebbutt instructed the chefs to "shove it forward" before correcting himself to "place it forward," Oliver wryly noted "The tone is extraordinary, isn't it?" Gamble concurred, delivering the line of the show: "You host the show like you're a prison officer."
Chaos Served with a Smile
Despite the fiery exchanges, the atmosphere remained largely playful, with the celebrity chefs sharing a laugh by the end of the segment. The incident provided a memorable and chaotic moment for viewers of the beloved BBC programme, which airs live from 10am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The show proved that even in a professional kitchen, the most unpredictable ingredient can sometimes be the host's etiquette.
