James Acaster's Saturday Kitchen outburst leaves viewers divided as he destroys set

Weekend cooking shows are usually the place for gentle chat, indulgent dishes, and maybe the odd bit of innuendo over a sizzling pan.

However, this week’s Saturday Kitchen served up something a lot spicier alongside the Christmas menu, thanks to James Acaster and Ed Gamble dropping in to the studio.

The comedians were in to plug their hit food podcast Off Menu, joining host Matt Tebbutt, Andi Oliver, Tasha Marikkar, and the rest of the line-up for a festive spread. Viewers were invited to vote on the all-important 'heaven or hell' dish, choosing between Gamble’s tapas three ways and Acaster’s panettone tiramisu.

Over on Instagram, the folk behind Saturday Kitchen had been hyping the episode, writing: “We’re live at 10am with James, Ed, Ben, Andi, Tasha, Matt & Hels (not in that order). Tune into BBC One to join in the fun! #SaturdayKitchen."

One fan simply urged fellow viewers: “VOTE FOR TIRAMISU!!!!”

When the results came in, though, it was tapas that triumphed, with 54 percent of the public going for Gamble’s spread over Acaster’s dessert. That’s when things moved from friendly food face-off to full-blown chaos in the studio, as Acaster reacted in spectacular fashion.

Letting out a scream, the comic leapt from his seat, launched the festive wreath from the middle of the table, and sent tiny presents skidding across the floor. He then turned on a life-size polar bear prop, punching it in the face so hard its Santa hat flew off, before storming over to the Christmas tree and giving it a serious shake.

In the studio, the guests howled with laughter, but at home, not everyone was ready to raise a glass to the tantrum as they soon took to social media.

One Instagram user complained: “James Acaster’s behaviour was disgraceful. He absolutely ruined the show today. Please never have him on again."

Another agreed: “Love this show, but please don’t invite James again. He’s NOT funny and ruined this weeks show."

Others took issue with the tone of the whole segment, with one writing: “James Acaster… not cool, not funny, nasty vile behaviour! Violence on live tv surrounded by three ladies, he needs cancelling," while someone else said: “James Acaster should be ashamed! Like a toddler having a strop so embarrassing!!”

Over on X (formerly Twitter), one viewer was even more blunt, posting: “What a p***k."

On the other hand, plenty of UK food fans thought the meltdown was exactly the kind of unhinged energy a sleepy Saturday morning needed, while others knew that it was simply Acaster playing up to the grumpy, sweet-toothed version of himself that's become a trope on the podcast.

“This was soooooo funny!" one fan raved, adding: "The crossover I didn’t know I needed. James was hilarious! Can’t believe people are being so grumpy! They are brilliant!”

Another Instagram commenter declared: “That has been the best episode yet. So great to see the boys on form."

Elsewhere, people praised the show for finally getting them tuning back in, with one viewer calling it 'Absolutely legendary episode' and another insisting: “This is the most entertaining Saturday Kitchen has ever been."

Even some who normally love Acaster admitted the chaos was a bit much, with one X user confessing: “I normally like him, but thought he was a total d**k on today’s show.”

FOODbible has reached out to James Acaster for comment.