A beloved BBC cooking show was hilariously interrupted this weekend when a comedian's controversial food opinion prompted his co-star to call him an 'idiot' live on air.
A Culinary Clash Erupts
On today's edition of Saturday Kitchen (Saturday, 29th November), presenter Matt Tebbutt welcomed the beloved comedian and writer Bob Mortimer alongside celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. While fans were thrilled to see Bob back in the kitchen, his selection of a 'food hell' and 'food heaven' quickly caused a stir.
Opting for a traditional steak and kidney pie with double peas as his idea of culinary paradise, Bob's admission that he isn't keen on Italian cuisine triggered immediate criticism in the studio. The controversy didn't stay confined to the studio for long.
Paul Whitehouse's Cheeky Interruption
Bob's Gone Fishing co-star and friend, Paul Whitehouse, joined the scolding in a pre-recorded video message. Paul didn't hold back, branding the comedy icon an 'idiot' for his dislike of pasta and pizza.
Paul's message kicked off with another dig, recalling the 'preposterous and quite disgusting' kebab Bob had created in the latest series of their show. He then dared host Matt Tebbutt to prepare a 'really nice one with lots of chilli sauce' to make up for the culinary catastrophe by the lake.
The fellow comedy legend continued his mock-lambasting, stating: 'Also, Bob, you claim that Italian food is rubbish. I mean, you're just an idiot. What are you going to do about that?'
Bob Mortimer's Good-Humoured Defence
Not stopping there, Paul delivered his trademark impersonation of Ted the Patterdale Terrier, the third member of the Gone Fishing team, whom he joked was 'after' Bob. 'I'm gonna get you Mortimer,' he declared, mimicking the dog's charming underbite. 'Where's my briefcase? It's full of pasta!'
Back in the studio, Bob took the jest in his stride, flashing a mischievous grin as host Matt laughed. 'That looked like the ramblings of a madman!' the host quipped. Bob concurred, saying, 'He packed a lot in there, didn't he? He told me he enjoyed the kebab on the day, so...'
He then defended his contentious food preferences, clarifying: 'I've been set up with this Italian thing. I said I didn't like pizza and somehow it's become all Italians.' Presenter Matt Tebbutt admitted, 'That's my fault. But it's funny, let's run with it!'
Luckily for Bob, he got his wish in the end. After 67 percent of viewers voted for food heaven, he was served a scrumptious steak and kidney pie by guest chef Jamie Oliver.
Saturday Kitchen airs from 10am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
