Viewers rage after BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen is replaced due to Scottish parliament

Matt Tebbutt

BBC1 audience in Scotland furious when they missed out on today's Saturday Kitchen

Audiences in Scotland took to Twitter to voice their anger after BBC One showed a repeat of the property auction programme rather than live cookery show Saturday Kitchen, presented today by Matt Tebbutt.

The weekly favourite, previously hosted by James Martin, was forced to apologised to disgruntled fans online, saying it was "news to them".

The reason for the unusual scheduling was due to the coverage of the royal opening of the Scottish Parliament by the Queen, which began just before 11.00am.

"Why is Scotland not getting #saturdaykitchen today? Explanation as to why we have to endure Homes Under The Hammer @BBCScotland?" one person raged, according to The Express.

Two others were left asking what was going on: "What the…? Where is @saturdaykitchen?" and: "#saturdaykitchen where are you?????"

Another unhappy message read: "Oi! Why am I getting Homes Under The Bleedin' Hammer instead of #saturdaykitchen? @bbc."

Saturday Kitchen's official account replied: "@RosySmudge @BBCScotland Sorry not our fault, it was news to us as we went on air!"

While those in the north were told to catch up on iPlayer, viewers elsewhere in the UK were quick to praise host Matt.

One tweeted: "Yeah good to see @matt_tebbutt again. A really good presenter and OK to fill the shoes after James left #saturdaykitchen."

Two others agreed: "Matt Tebbutt for full time presenter on #saturdaykitchen," and: "Matt Tebutt would be great as permanent #saturdaykitchen host."

The BBC later confirmed that Matt was now "part of the regular line-up", following James' departure earlier this year.

Saturday Kitchen continues on BBC1, Saturday, July 9, 10.00am.