Saturday Kitchen Live returned to BBC One with a new episode, but regular host Matt Tebbutt was missing from the presenter's chair. Instead, Donal Skehan stepped in to host the popular cookery programme.
The show welcomed chefs Jamie Oliver, Gennaro Contaldo and Julie Lin, along with Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo, into the studio. However, viewers expecting Tebbutt were surprised to see Skehan take the reins.
Skehan's quip and Tebbutt's absence
Acknowledging Tebbutt's absence, Skehan, 40, joked: "Welcome to the show, Matt is away, so Donal can play!"
Tebbutt, 52, appears to be occupied with another project, having shared updates on his Instagram Story about working on The Go To Food Podcast, writing: "Did a fun thing with these two smashers! Coming soooooonnn!"
Viewers praise the stand-in host
Taking to social media, viewers shared their thoughts on the presenter shake-up, with many praising Skehan for his hosting duties. One person said: "Donal is a good stand in presenter, as are Angela and Anna!" to which another account added: "Donal you are doing a great job. Enjoying the show just now!"
Another viewer wrote: "You're fantastic Donal, as always. A great kitchen of guests this morning!" while others commented on the line-up, with one saying: "What a line-up!!" and another adding: "What an amazing line-up! Love seeing @donalskehan on presenting too!"
BBC Breakfast preview
Before the show aired, BBC Breakfast caught up with Skehan to preview the programme, during which Naga Munchetty addressed Tebbutt's absence. Munchetty, 51, greeted him warmly, saying: "Donal! Good morning to you!" to which Skehan replied: "Good morning, Naga, this might be a nice little palate cleanser for you. You know, no Matt this week, but I'm here!"
Munchetty quipped: "Well, yeah, this is definitely a palate cleanser, in terms of no Matt!" before questioning whether anyone had ever told Skehan his recipe hadn't worked, given his back catalogue of 13 cook books.
Saturday Kitchen Live continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
