Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola has ignited a wave of contrasting viewer opinions following his guest appearance on the BBC's popular Saturday Kitchen programme. The show, which returned to screens on Saturday morning, March 28, featured host Matt Tebbutt alongside culinary experts Theo Randall, Samin Nosrat, and drinks specialist Helen McGinn.
Mixed Reactions from the Audience
While singer Self Esteem, also known as Rebecca Lucy Taylor, participated in a segment where viewers voted on her food experience, it was Vito Coppola who truly captured attention. The dancer's presence proved divisive, with a notable number of viewers expressing frustration over his vocal volume during the broadcast.
Viewer Complaints Surface Online
On social media platform X, one disgruntled viewer commented, "Can't stand the screeching at this time of the morning." Another added sarcastically, "Can you speak a bit louder please - they can't quite hear you in Naples..." A third remarked bluntly, "Vito should stick to dancing and you just know the miserable blonde guest is getting hell."
Supportive Voices Emerge
However, not all feedback was critical. Many viewers rallied behind the Strictly star, celebrating his energetic personality. One supporter wrote, "Such happy, bubbly chefs on today. Especially the lovely @Vito__Coppola Food looks delicious too." Another simply stated, "Love Vito," while a third praised, "Vito seems like such a lovely, upbeat fella."
Context of the Episode
This episode marked Matt Tebbutt's return to Saturday Kitchen after a period spent in Australia. Earlier in March, The One Show's Alex Jones had temporarily taken the presenter's chair, accompanied by guests including Mike Reid, Adejoké Bakare, Bryn Williams, and special guest Phil Wang.
Although Matt appeared on the programme the previous week, he confirmed it was a pre-recorded episode while sharing updates from Australia with his Instagram followers. The 52-year-old presenter resumed his regular hosting duties in March, pausing to commend Alex Jones for her performance, stating, "Before we go on with our usual nonsense, we should say how well Alex did last week. Well done, Alex Jones."
Saturday Kitchen continues to air every Saturday at 10am on BBC One, maintaining its position as a staple of weekend morning television despite occasional viewer controversies.
