Matt Tebbutt shared a cryptic post hours before he was replaced on Saturday Kitchen. The 50-year-old usually presents the cookery programme every Saturday, but was replaced by Donal Skehan during the latest instalment (May 18) of the BBC show.
On Instagram, Matt shared a photo of the grounds at Ballymaloe House. He added the caption: “Calm before the storm,” followed by “If you know you know.”
The presenter is in Cork, Ireland, for the Ballymaloe Food Festival this weekend. For three days, world-class chefs from Ireland and beyond will take part in cooking demos, pop-up dinners, talks, guided tours and more as they celebrate 60 years of Ballymaloe.
Matt’s absence on Saturday Kitchen was announced on BBC Breakfast as presenters Charlie Stayt and Nina Warhurst revealed viewers could expect a different host on their screens.
“Donal is taking over Saturday Kitchen quite literally,” Charlie told viewers. “You’ve taken over the place.” The Irish TV personality responded: “I’m quite excited to be in the hot seat. They’ve let me back in and I have the keys to the kitchen so good morning.”
Opening the show, the former singer quipped: “I have been handed the keys to the best kitchen in the land and it’s filled with brilliant food, drinks and guests all ready to get the party started.”
Joining Donal in the studio was Sabrina Ghayour, Jack Stein, Eddie Izzard and Olly Smith. Sitting across from Eddie, Donal claimed they were in the “presence of greatness.” To which the actor responded: “You shouldn’t go there. I’m just some git who tries hard.”
Matt’s absence didn’t go down well with fans as they took to social media to complain over the “boring” episode, with some even switching off.
One wrote: “This has got to be the most boring episode ever. Haven’t liked any of the dishes at all or the guests just bland and boring today’s show sorry.”
Another fumed: “Well that’s ruined my Saturday morning #saturdaykitchen sorry I have to turn off.” A third declared: “Turned on, turned off #SaturdayKitchen.”
While another echoed: “#SaturdayKitchen It’s drizzling, but would rather be in the garden. Such a boring episode.”