BBC Breakfast and Saturday Kitchen are facing a significant scheduling change on Saturday, November 14, with both programmes shifting to accommodate the Lord Mayor's Show 2026. According to TV Guide, BBC Breakfast, which normally runs from 6am to 10am, will conclude at 9.15am, 45 minutes earlier than usual. Saturday Kitchen will then air from 9.15am to 10.45am, followed by the Lord Mayor's Show 2026 from 10.45am to 12.05pm.
Saturday Kitchen's earlier start
The cooking programme, presented by TV chef Matt Tebbutt, typically broadcasts live every Saturday from 10am to 11.30am. Matt announced the timing adjustment live on air during last week's episode, which aired on November 7. He was joined by chefs Vivek Singh, Tom Parker Bowles and Riya Patel, alongside special guest Jo Brand, with drinks specialist Helen McGinn also present to select wines to complement the dishes.
As the programme drew to a close, Matt told viewers: "There's no Best Bites tomorrow but I'm going to be back here live next Saturday at the earlier time of 9.15." Both programmes are expected to return to their usual slots next weekend.
Saturday Kitchen put out to tender
This scheduling change follows the revelation that Saturday Kitchen has become the latest BBC programme to be put out to tender by the broadcaster. The BBC explained: "The contract will be awarded for 18 months on a work-for-hire basis, with an indicative shape of up to 65 episodes of Saturday Kitchen, 50 episodes of Saturday Kitchen Best Bites, and up to five episodes of Celebration Kitchen."
The BBC added: "The contract period may be extended on similar contract terms, subject to agreement. Transmission will begin in summer 2027. In line with our Across the UK strategy and commitment to grow the creative sector in the West Midlands, we are particularly interested in proposals for production from the West Midlands."
Other BBC programme changes
This autumn, the BBC has also confirmed it is putting Mastermind out to tender for the second time in a decade. The programme was previously put out to tender in 2018, a competition clinched by Hat Trick Productions and Hindsight Productions. The BBC said: "We're putting the production of our long-running quiz Mastermind out for competition. The full invitation to tender including eligibility criteria will be published [on our website], with enough time for suppliers to do appropriate research and preparation."
Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed it was cutting Celebrity Mastermind from its schedules, along with Blankety Blank and Live At The Apollo, though the flagship series fronted by Clive Myrie will carry on as normal. At the time, the BBC said: "We are incredibly proud of all three of these much-loved shows and would like to thank everyone involved, both in front of and behind the camera, for bringing them to screen and making them such a success over many years. Unfortunately, we have to make some really tough choices in light of our funding challenges, and these savings have been identified from the Entertainment genre."
The BBC added: "We will still continue to commission ambitious Entertainment shows and invest in distinctive UK content from a wide range of independent production companies of all sizes, as well as prioritising digital innovation that can serve fans of these shows and beyond. For example, we will shortly be announcing digital plans focused on stand-up and emerging comedy talent, ensuring we continue to support the stand-up community in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive media landscape."
These difficult decisions form part of the BBC's previously announced first phase of its proposals to make £500m of savings over the next three years. BBC Content has a target of delivering a minimum of £100 million of recurring annual savings, which will result in a reduction of around 100-150 hours of originated TV programmes across genres by the end of 2027/28.
