Viewers of Saturday Kitchen have expressed frustration over the show's 20th anniversary episode, with many claiming to switch off just minutes into the live broadcast. Presenter Matt Tebbutt returned to screens on June 6 to mark the milestone, joined by chefs Rick Stein, Theo Randall, Ching-He Huang, Gennaro Contaldo, and Andi Oliver, alongside special guests Liz Carr and Chris Stark.
Opening the show, Tebbutt said: 'Welcome to the show. Now, it's been 20 years since the relaunch of Saturday Kitchen on BBC One when we took over your Saturday mornings. So, it's a great excuse to assemble some of your favourite chefs and stars from the last 20 years. So, brace yourselves!' However, viewers quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to complain about the chaotic atmosphere.
One viewer wrote: 'That's me off to another channel,' while another added: 'Lots of big egos all wanting to talk at the same time!!' A third remarked: 'Sounds very chaotic, my head can't cope and we're only 11 minutes in.' Another shared: 'This is going to be hell today. All shouting at the same time... Off to another channel pronto.'
A fifth viewer stated: 'Too many shouty chefs.. I'm bailing early,' while someone else commented: 'This is so loud. My ears are hurting.' Despite the backlash, many loyal fans celebrated the anniversary, with one posting: '20 years of #SaturdayKitchen. I've watched since the very first episode as a 6-year-old, and now I'm nearly 27. Where has the time gone? What a fantastic celebration of a brilliant show.'
The episode featured numerous archive moments and pre-recorded segments, including a tribute from Jamie Oliver, who said: '20 years! 20 years in TV is like a 100 years in the real world, and that is such an amazing achievement of beautiful, trustworthy TV every Saturday.' Drinks specialist Olly Smith added: 'To be part of Saturday Kitchen for 20 years is the joy of my life!'
