Devoted Saturday Kitchen fans were left confused this week when BBC Two decided to air a highlights reel instead of broadcasting the show live, with many fans upset by the decision and taking to the internet to express their disappointment.
The programming changes are part of a larger restructuring to accommodate extensive coverage of the Paris Olympics, which will dominate the summer schedule.
Earlier on Saturday morning, BBC Breakfast also saw its hours cut after presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty pulled out to take part in Olympic swimming events.
Instead of the usual live cooking, Saturday Kitchen aired “Tastiest Treats,” a montage of standout recipes from past shows featuring celebrity chefs such as Gennaro Contaldo, Nisha Katona and Yotam Ottolenghi.
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Despite efforts to hype viewers up, such as the show's official Twitter account posting: “Saturday Kitchen's tastiest treats will be on @BBCTwo tomorrow from 10am! We asked for your favourite dishes and you didn't disappoint!”, viewers were not happy about the changes, reports Wales Online.
One disgruntled viewer responded to the post: “Or maybe there will be another chance for more repeats but this show is really going downhill fast and there are no brakes.”
Adding to the complaints was another user who posted a GIF saying: “Do it live!”
One disgruntled viewer described the programme as “a cross between BBC Breakfast and the awful Saturday Kitchen”.
“Just what every sports lover needs. A huge hit from the BBC.”
A third viewer criticised the BBC directly, saying: “Negligent use of #bbclicense fees!!”
One viewer simply demanded: “Cancel this show.”
Fans eager to see Matt's next live show may have to wait until the end of the Olympics on Sunday, August 11, as the BBC will be covering the event.
Saturday Kitchen airs every Saturday at 10am on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
