In a moment that briefly sent ripples across the BBC airwaves, Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt found himself in an awkward spot after making a seemingly off-the-cuff remark about guest Clive Myrie while speaking to the BBC Breakfast team. The incident, which occurred during the handover between the two popular morning shows, prompted an immediate and slightly tense exchange with veteran presenter Naga Munchetty, leading to a subsequent apology from the chef.
The Uncomfortable Handover Incident
The drama unfolded during a routine segment linking BBC Breakfast to the culinary delights of Saturday Kitchen. As 52-year-old Tebbutt prepared to introduce the segment featuring his guest, he inadvertently caused a stir by referring to the esteemed journalist and Mastermind host, Clive Myrie, as an "actual proper newsreader.”
The comment, intended perhaps as light banter, landed poorly. Tebbutt immediately registered his misstep, stopping mid-sentence, placing a hand over his face in visible embarrassment, and quickly backtracking. “Sorry! I didn't mean that. We've got a newsreader,” he stammered, acknowledging the gaffe to the live studio audience.
Naga Munchetty’s Sharp Retort
However, the apology was met with a notably sharp response from Naga Munchetty, who co-hosts BBC Breakfast alongside Charlie Stayt. Known for her direct interviewing style, Munchetty seized on the distinction Tebbutt had drawn.
“Oh, a newsreader? You've got a newsreader, have you?” Munchetty retorted, her tone signaling clear professional pride. “Well, we're journalists. So, if you want to call Clive Myrie a newsreader, good luck with the rest of your programme, ok?”
While the Saturday Kitchen studio audience reportedly chuckled at Munchetty’s swift defense of the journalistic profession, Tebbutt was clearly keen to diffuse the situation. Reports indicate he hastily attempted to redirect the conversation, reiterating the correct formal introduction in an effort to smooth over the unintended slight against the journalists present.
Clive Myrie Responds to the Jibe
The focus then shifted to the guest at the centre of the controversy, 61-year-old Clive Myrie. When asked how he was feeling amidst the on-air tension, Myrie maintained his composure, greeting the hosts warmly: “I'm very, very well. Hi Naga, Hi Charlie.”
Tebbutt, keen to get back to the familiar territory of food, steered the conversation towards the segment’s core feature: food heaven and food hell. Myrie, a global explorer and seasoned correspondent, offered insights into his comfort food preferences, particularly relevant given the time of year.
Food Heaven and Hell Revealed
Discussing his culinary preferences, Myrie championed “Pie January,” stating, “Everyone talks about dry January, forget that. Pie January, absolutely. I love comfort food at this time of year.” This sentiment resonated with many viewers seeking warmth and familiarity in their winter diets.
However, Myrie also confessed to developing distinct aversions. He admitted he had recently gone off mushrooms entirely, explaining, “Who knew! I don't know why though, I used to love them but the last couple of years, I've completely gone off them.” Furthermore, he noted a general disinterest in consuming salad during the colder winter months.
The Ongoing Debate: Newsreader vs. Journalist
The brief but pointed exchange highlights the often-nuanced distinctions within broadcast roles. While the terms 'newsreader' and 'journalist' are frequently used interchangeably by the public, broadcasters often view them as separate entities. A journalist typically involves original reporting, investigation, and content creation, whereas a newsreader primarily focuses on the authoritative delivery of prepared material.
For Naga Munchetty, whose career is rooted deeply in journalism and reporting, Tebbutt’s casual classification of a figure like Clive Myrie—a former war correspondent and celebrated anchor—as merely a 'newsreader' clearly touched a professional nerve. Tebbutt’s immediate apology suggests he understood the weight of his casual terminology in the context of the BBC’s rigorous editorial standards.
BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, setting the tone for the nation's mornings, while Saturday Kitchen continues to serve up culinary inspiration every Saturday at 10 am. Despite the brief on-air awkwardness, both programmes quickly returned to their established, successful formats, leaving viewers with plenty to discuss in the world of British television.
