Saturday Kitchen Viewers Split as Alex Jones Steps in for Matt Tebbutt
Alex Jones expressed her delight as she took over the hosting duties for BBC's Saturday Kitchen this weekend, filling in for the absent Matt Tebbutt. The temporary change in presenter sparked a wave of mixed reactions from fans on social media, with some praising the switch and others lamenting Tebbutt's absence.
Handover from BBC Breakfast
During the handover from BBC Breakfast, presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt introduced Alex Jones to viewers. They explained that she would be taking over the kitchen segment as Matt Tebbutt was unavailable. Naga Munchetty said, "You're watching breakfast. We're with you until 10 o'clock, and that is when Alex Jones has taken over the kitchen. She's taken over Matt's kitchen. Good morning, Alex. How you doing?"
Alex Jones responded enthusiastically, "Good morning, both very well. Thank you. Hope you're both well as well. Yeah, Matt's gone to Australia, so they've let me loose, and I'm delighted. I absolutely love doing this programme." Her comments were reported by the Express, highlighting her excitement for the opportunity.
Viewer Reactions on Social Media
The episode featured guests including Phil Wang, Adejoké Bakare, Mike Reid, Bryn Williams, and Olly Smith. While many viewers welcomed Alex Jones as host, others expressed disappointment over Matt Tebbutt's absence.
- One fan posted, "Can't wait for Alex Jones. X", showing support for the change.
- Another remarked, "Alex Jones is a great choice of presenter."
- A third chimed in, "I'll be tuning in, guys."
However, not all feedback was positive. Some fans noted the difference without Tebbutt, with one stating, "Where's Matt? Not the same without him." Another agreed, saying, "What a shame." This division among viewers underscores the strong following that both presenters have cultivated on the popular cookery show.
Matt Tebbutt's Whereabouts
Matt Tebbutt is currently in Australia, as revealed during the broadcast. He had presented the show as normal the previous weekend, though that episode was pre-recorded rather than broadcast live. Tebbutt has been keeping his Instagram followers updated on his travels, recently posting a photo of himself feeding kangaroos and koalas in Brisbane.
He captioned the post, "So I've turned wildlife photographer and kangaroo whisperer @lonepinekoala @queensland #brisbane #koala." This insight into his trip provided context for his absence from the live show.
Saturday Kitchen remains available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to catch up on episodes featuring both presenters. The show continues to be a staple of weekend morning television, blending cooking demonstrations with celebrity guests and lively discussions.
