Matt Tebbutt has made a triumphant return to BBC's Saturday Kitchen after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix earlier this month. The 48-year-old host was rushed to hospital on 18 January and underwent an operation, leaving fans concerned about his absence from the show.
On Friday, Tebbutt shared a photograph on Instagram from the Saturday Kitchen set, showing him smiling broadly in front of the show's ovens and hobs. The post delighted his 64,000 followers, with many expressing relief at his recovery. TV chef Andi Oliver commented: 'Aww you’re back! Good to see you’re feeling better lovely x.'
Saturday Kitchen's official Twitter account confirmed Tebbutt's return, announcing he would host the Lunar New Year special on Saturday morning alongside chefs Mandy Yin, Ching-He Huang and Ken Hom. Wine expert Olly Smith and special guest Rick Edwards were also set to appear.
Tebbutt had been updating fans on his health since the surgery. In a previous post from his hospital bed, he praised the NHS staff for their 'fantastic' care, saying he 'couldn’t ask for more from such a brilliant health service' and was 'so grateful'.
Tebbutt took over as host of Saturday Kitchen from James Martin in 2016 and has become a fan favourite. He has welcomed numerous celebrities to the show, including Gary Barlow, Shirley Ballas and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
