Audiences abandoned BBC’s Saturday Kitchen this afternoon following actor Ralf Little’s visceral response when confronted with tomato-based cuisine during the programme’s food heaven or hell segment.
The former Death in Paradise star appeared on the latest episode alongside presenter Matt Tebbutt, where his physical revulsion at the mention of his culinary nightmare prompted widespread criticism from viewers.
Social media platforms witnessed an influx of complaints, with frustrated fans declaring they had switched channels due to Mr Little’s behaviour.
“Sadly just had to turn off #SaturdayKitchen for three reasons. Mentioning lockdown all these years on (stop it).
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
“The guest retching at mention of his food hell (stop it), and Matt blowtorching drowning out Jack Stein. Love Helen though – always fab,” one viewer posted on X.
“Not feeling the show, switching channels. #saturdaykitchen,” one admitted.
Another particularly irritated viewer fumed: “#saturdaykitchen I don’t know why I watch this programme.. It always ends up boiling my p***.”
“#SaturdayKitchen why can I hear disgusting food eating noises? @RalfLittle is that your mic ?@SaturdayKitchen a war crime is being committed,” added another.
One concerned viewer pleaded: “Can you get Ralf back on to have something nice to eat? I have this same problem with tomatoes and he was extremely brave to even put that in his mouth.
“I was trying not to heave watching it. He’s owed a nice meal.”
However, others enjoyed the programme despite Mr Little’s extreme reaction, with one writing: “Brilliant show as always. Ralf really doesn’t like tomatoes.”
“I’m with Ralf Little. Hate fresh tomatoes but love tomato flavoured soups & sauces #SaturdayKitchen,” another penned.
The programme featured culinary demonstrations from chefs Sabrina Ghayour and Jack Stein, who prepared chapli kebabs with crispy smashed potatoes and a hake creation with chard and sweetcorn dressing respectively.
Wine specialist Helen McGinn provided beverage pairings for the dishes, whilst Neil Radley offered beer suggestions to accompany various crisp flavours during the controversial tasting segment.
Mr Little appeared on the show to promote his forthcoming tour dates across the UK, participating in the programme’s traditional pub quiz format that determined whether he would face his preferred meal or dreaded tomato-based dishes.
The quiz focused on crisp-related questions and blind taste tests, ultimately resulting in Mr Little confronting his food hell, which triggered the negative reaction that prompted viewers to abandon the broadcast.
Technical difficulties compounded viewer frustration when presenter Matt Tebbutt’s blowtorch created excessive noise during Jack Stein’s cooking demonstration, rendering the chef’s commentary inaudible.
The incident occurred whilst Mr Stein prepared his hake dish, with the kitchen equipment’s sound overwhelming his explanation of the cooking technique. Several viewers highlighted this issue alongside their other complaints about the programme.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Kaleb Cooper welcomes third baby as Clarkson’s Farm star shares sweet gesture made to midwivesJeremy Clarkson blasts ‘infernal’ Rachel Reeves in scathing rant against government spendingAmanda Owen issues update on Channel 4 series days after Yorkshire Shepherdess shares major blow
The episode also featured references to lockdown that audiences found tiresome, with multiple viewers requesting producers cease mentioning the pandemic years after its conclusion.