Saturday Kitchen star shares struggle presenting live show viewers won't notice
EXCLUSIVE: Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt has opened up about all things to do with the hit BBC morning show - from his worst habits, to things he loves and finds most difficult about live TV
Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt has spilled the secrets of working in live television - and opened up on the toughest part of the job. Despite revealing he relishes the challenge every week on the BBC show, Matt has admitted the crew face a number of challenges in a bid to make the long-running show continue to air smoothly.
The 51-year-old chef has presented the weekend morning food show since 2017, when he took over from James Martin. And he has admitted that the crew are "like family" and are often met with many challenges, meaning they have to rehearse "a lot" despite it looking like they "wing it" at times.
Speaking to the Mirror, Matt revealed the hardest part of his role: "On Saturday Kitchen, I have to cook a decent looking dish while interviewing the main guest and with the production team shouting in my ear about timings," he said.
"My wife always says she'd struggle with any one of those things at a time, so she's quite impressed I can do all three at once. It can also be tough to keep it all fun and light, unless the guest is on board."
And he also confessed he is often told his "worst habit" on screen is laughing too loud. "I don't put the plates down in the right way," he added. "[I also] pick on Helen when she talks about Rose. I don't pay too much attention to it ideally."
But he explained he loves the "buzz" that comes with it. "At the end of the day live telly is great fun," he added.
"It takes me back to working in busy London kitchens, you get the same sort of adrenaline rush. But luckily I don't have to work double shifts anymore for little or no reward!"
Matt was speaking ahead of this year's Smoke and Fire Festival. The event will be at Ascot Racecourse on July 5-6, and at Promenade Park in Maldon Essex on August 16-17.
Matt will once again be in attendance, this time featuring on both weekends. He admitted he is looking forward to being involved again, calling the decision a "no brainer". "The atmosphere's unbeatable," he gushed.
"[It's] a proper gathering of people who love cooking over fire. You don't always get that kind of appreciation or excitement at other events. Also, the other chefs are brilliant — some I've known for years, others I met for the first time last year.
"It's a great place to catch up, share ideas, pinch a few tricks off each other – and there's always something new to discover – a new rub, a new dish, a new drink."
And he told festival goers to expect a "bigger and better" experience. "The team have promised us more food, more fire, and more variety," he said. "There's a strong South American focus this year and a partnership with Europe's largest Taco and Tequila festival - The Tacover – and my travels to Argentina really opened my eyes to that part of the world.
"You can expect plenty of live demos, chances to chat with the chefs, proper smoky flavours, and a bit of theatre too."
For his part, Matt revealed he will be bringing a number of his signature dishes as well as cooking some festival specials.
What is he most looking forward to? "That moment when someone takes a bite and their eyes light up. You can't beat that. Oh — and sneaking off to try everyone else's food, obviously!"
It's expected that over 5,000 burgers will be served across the festivals, really putting the palate to the test. There is also The festival's infamous wing challenge, The World Butcher Wars and British Open Freestyle BBQ Championships on show.
Tickets for the event are currently on sale.
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