BBC Saturday Kitchen were left divided over the guest appearance of chef Jeremy Lee on this weekend’s edition of the popular show.
The 61-year-old proprietor of Soho’s Quo Vadis faced complaints over his larger-than-life demeanour and hands on approach to cooking.
Host Matt Tebbutt was joined by Lee as well as fellow chef Donal Skehan and special guest and former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy.
Lee’s segment to the show was introduced with the warning that he only had 10 minutes to prepare his marinated chicken with asparagus salad.
The guest, undeterred by Tebbut’s cautioning, approached the cooking with near constant tongue-in-cheek commentary and cheeky innuendos as he swept through the steps of the dish.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Matt Tebbutt admits ‘I’m struggling’ as he falters during BBC Saturday Kitchen segment: ‘Been on the wine already!’Matt Tebbutt forced to intervene during awkward BBC Saturday Kitchen moment: ‘We didn’t get the memo!’Matt Tebbutt in awkward ‘forgotten’ wife exchange with BBC Saturday Kitchen guest: ‘That’s all I’m saying!’
However, some viewers were quickly turned off by Lee’s approach, particularly as he slapped the marinade on the raw chicken by hand, and took to social media to share their thoughts.
“That was the most messy and chaotic segment of the show to watch. What that chef was doing with the food, with both his hands and the mess, I just can’t work like that in a kitchen. Fml #SaturdayKitchen,” one declared on X.
Another exclaimed: “OMG!! I feel soooo DIRTY!!! Nope! I couldn’t eat that chicken! Scraping up the bottom of that pan with your fingernails then fingers!! NOPE!!! Such a shame because the recipe looks divine. #SaturdayKitchen”
Beyond Lee’s cooking practice, others found the prestigious chef’s jokes tiresome.
“#SaturdayKitchen Really this gobby ‘chef’ who loves the sound of his own voice. No thanks. @SaturdayKitchen,” one wrote.
Another fumed: “Thus is a hard watch this morning. Just too much. Very annoying. #saturdaykitchen”
“#SaturdayKitchen Who ordered the out of work pantomime dame?” a third sniped.
“After his sexual innuendoes it’s unlikely he’ll be invited back. #SaturdayKitchen,” a fourth wrote.
One particularly racy moment came when resident wine expert Olly Smith teased Lee about his hatred of the word “juicy”.
“Stop it! You’ll be sent to your room dear! I’ll be there in two minutes!” The chef shot back as the room erupted into laughter.
Lee quickly cautioned himself, hissing: “Stop it! Children are watching, for God’s sake!”
Even still, other fans came forward to praise Lee’s appearance, with one glowing: “He’s great!”
“This chef is like a very camp Brian Blessed. Love him! #SaturdayKitchen,” another shared.
A third admitted: “Can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard during #SaturdayKitchen thanks to our lovely @JLQuoVadis (Lee).”
“Waking up to see @JLQuoVadison #SaturdayKitchen this morning has instantly put me in a good mood!” a fourth glowed.