BBC Saturday Kitchen fans outraged as they blast ‘very annoying’ guest over hygiene complaint: ‘Won’t be invited back!’

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Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 29/03/2025

- 13:19

Jeremy Lee was preparing a marinated chicken with asparagus salad for this Saturday's show

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 Skehanand 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.

Jeremy Lee, Matt Tebbutt

Viewers were divided over Lee's bombastic style of cooking and presenting

BBC

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.

Jeremy Lee chicken

Some viewers did not appreciate Lee's handling of the chicken

BBC

“#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.

Jeremy Lee

Other viewers were charmed by Lee's unique style

BBC

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.