Matt Tebbutt has opened up about the challenges of stepping into one of British television’s most established cooking roles, admitting that replacing James Martin on Saturday Kitchen was far from an easy transition.
The 52-year-old chef and presenter took over the BBC One weekend cooking show in 2017 after James Martin left to launch his own ITV programme, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, ending a decade-long run on the flagship BBC series.
Reflecting on the experience, Matt explained that taking over an already successful and much-loved format came with significant pressure, particularly as audiences were still closely associated with his predecessor.
Speaking in an interview, he said that stepping into a new role on television is always difficult, especially when it involves replacing someone who has built a strong identity with the audience over many years.
He described the process as something that required balance, explaining that his main focus has always been to bring his own personality to each programme without disrupting what already works.
Matt said he tries to avoid making unnecessary changes when joining an established show, instead aiming to settle in gradually and build trust with both viewers and production teams.
He added that he prefers to approach new presenting roles in a steady and measured way, describing himself as a “safe pair of hands” who avoids unnecessary disruption while still making his own mark.
His comments come as he continues to front Saturday Kitchen, while also taking on other high-profile roles within the BBC cooking franchise, including stepping in to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef: The Professionals earlier this year.
Discussing the pressure of joining long-running programmes, Matt acknowledged that each show comes with its own expectations, personalities and production dynamics, which can take time to adjust to.
He explained that adapting to a well-established format means learning how to fit into an existing structure while still maintaining authenticity as a presenter and chef.
Matt also reflected on how his career has evolved over time, noting that although he began his working life as a professional chef in commercial kitchens, his focus has gradually shifted towards television.
He said he now considers himself more of a “TV chef” than a traditional working chef, pointing out that while the nature of the work is different, it still carries its own pressures and demands.
According to him, television cookery may appear more relaxed on screen, but it involves strict timing, structure, and performance expectations that differ significantly from restaurant work.
Matt previously spent more than a decade working in professional kitchens before moving into broadcasting, giving him what he describes as a strong foundation in food but a very different day-to-day reality in television.
His move into broadcasting has seen him become a familiar face on BBC cooking programmes, with Saturday Kitchen remaining his most prominent and long-running role.
He recently confirmed that he would not be returning as a full-time judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, despite stepping in during a transitional period for the show.
Matt had been brought in following the departure of Gregg Wallace, who left the programme after a BBC review upheld multiple allegations relating to his conduct.
Addressing his exit from the judging role, Matt explained on social media that he had only ever intended to participate in a single series and had enjoyed the experience working alongside the established judging panel.
However, he later admitted in interviews that he was disappointed not to continue, describing the decision as upsetting, although he emphasised that such changes are part of working in television.
He said that the industry requires resilience, comparing the experience to other public-facing professions where criticism and change are part of the job.
Matt added that joining a long-running series involves not only adapting to the format but also building relationships with existing presenters, judges and production crews.
He specifically mentioned enjoying working alongside established figures on the show and learning from the experience, even when it came with professional challenges.
Despite the pressures, he said he remains committed to doing his job well and delivering consistent performances for viewers each week.
Matt also reflected more broadly on the evolution of his career, noting that he has transitioned from working in kitchens full-time to becoming a regular face on national television.
He said that while he still identifies as a chef, his professional identity has increasingly shifted towards broadcasting, particularly through his long-standing role on BBC One.
His comments offer a rare insight into the realities behind replacing established television figures and the pressure that comes with maintaining continuity on long-running programmes.
Matt currently continues to host Saturday Kitchen, which airs weekly on BBC One, while James Martin continues to front his own successful ITV cooking series.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/
