Matt Tebbutt has opened up about his relationship with James Martin, the chef he replaced on Saturday Kitchen, insisting there is no animosity between them and revealing what his fellow presenter is really like away from the cameras.
Speaking on the Go To Food podcast, Tebbutt addressed the reported feud directly, saying: "Let's put this to bed." He explained that he understands why Martin became "very defensive and protective" when Tebbutt stood in for him on the BBC show.
Understanding James's Position
Tebbutt said: "When I took over from James, I completely understand his position. If you've got somebody, and I've got it now, they would walk over you for that job. I completely understand that. Suddenly, there was somebody else in the wings. Obviously, James got very defensive, protective of his thing, quite right."
He added that their paths "didn't really cross" for many years, and that their supposed rivalry was built up by other people. "Because I suppose you step in, and you do the same role, and therefore you're kind of rivals. And it's not really the case, at all," he said.
A Shy Side Revealed
Tebbutt also shared an anecdote from when Martin appeared on Market Kitchen, a show on the Good Food channel co-presented by Tebbutt. After filming, Tebbutt invited Martin out to Hix Soho, where he saw a different side to him.
"He's actually quite, and I hope he doesn't mind me saying this, he was quite shy, in those surroundings. There was Hixy (acclaimed chef Mark Hix), these great chefs. And you're used to your TV world, but that's a very chef-y world. So I completely get that. But we're fine now. We do the same job on different channels. James has got a huge following. He's done very well for himself."
Martin, 52, left the BBC to present Saturday Morning with James Martin on ITV. Tebbutt now hosts Saturday Kitchen on BBC One, with his upcoming guests including Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla's son.
