BBC Saturday Kitchen fans 'switch off' as they complain show 'isn't the same'

Saturday Kitchen viewers were not happy that Matt Tebbutt's show was not live, but another pre-recorded episode.

For Saturday's episode, which aired on 30 August, chefs Dr Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed, Elliott Grover, and Ben Lippett were in the studio with host Matt. Joining them was best-selling author Adam Kay, who was set to face his Heaven or Hell food choice with a unique twist, given that the show wasn't live.

Fans tuning in this week were disheartened to find out it was yet another pre-recorded episode, lamenting that it "just wasn't the same" as the live shows.

READ MORE: The Yorkshire Vet star Peter Wright says 'I'm no carer' as he opens up on wife being 'bed-bound'

READ MORE: Amy Childs reveals TOWIE stars not invited to wedding as she pushes back ceremony

Over on X, one viewer grumbled: " There's a recording of #SaturdayKitchen today. I miss the live ones, and I'm still hoping for another 'quim' moment!"

Echoing the sentiment, another person said, "I hope #SaturdayKitchen will be live next week. The pre-recorded shows don't have the same energy and unpredictability, which I always enjoy," reports the Express.

Meanwhile, another fan announced they were switching channels after just one segment, posting: "Rick's [Stein] slot finished, off to watch James Martin. #SaturdayKitchen."

At the beginning, Matt warned viewers that things would be slightly different when their celebrity guest faced food heaven or hell, which is normally voted for by viewers at home.

A bit later, things were explained. Instead of facing the public vote, the author was presented with two large plastic syringes. To secure his food heaven, all Adam had to do was select the one that produced a blue liquid when squeezed into the clear glass on the counter.

Adam, a vegetarian, seemed nervous that the selection process lay in his own hands. He really hoped not to get his food hell, a cauliflower steak, and instead prayed he'd select his food heaven, paneer curry.

Matt urged him: "Choose wisely," as he picked up one syringe and nervously began unveiling the watercolour. Fortunately for Adam, it was blue, and he would be treated to his favourite dish as a result.

Despite the effort producers had gone to make the pre-record selection just as thrilling, it didn't hold the same appeal as the public vote for adoring fans who had shared their feedback online.

Fortunately, disappointed viewers were in store for some good news as the show came to a close. Matt confirmed that his cookery programme would return to its usual live format next week.

Signing off, Matt announced: "I've got more best bites for you tomorrow on BBC 2 and I'll be back here live next week with Samin Nosrat, Mike Reid and Alan Davies."

Saturday Kitchen airs every Saturday, from 10am, on BBC One.