It might have been hailed as some as ‘the greatest TV moment of the year’ – but the BBC has now been hit with complaints over James Acaster causing chaos on Saturday Kitchen.
Earlier this month the comedian appeared on the weekend programme alongside his Off Menu co-host Ed Gamble.
The pair were pitted against each other, with viewers asked to choose between tapas or tirimasu.
However, as the results came in, which revealed he’d lost by a margin of 46%, James unleashed his annoyance on the set.
Screaming out, he then jumped out of his chair, flipped a wreath that had been resting on the table, before punching a decorative polar bear behind him.
He wasn’t done though – then attacking the set’s Christmas tree, as host Matt Tebbutt and the other guests broke into fits of laughter.
Although many tuning in thought what unfolded was hilarious, it’s now been revealed some didn’t see the funny side.
The Sun has now reported that the BBC has been ‘slapped with over 200 complaints’ after the incident.
The publication has said the national broadcaster revealed that it received 232 complaints, which were categorised as being related to the ‘inappropriate behaviour of a guest’.
This now means the BBC will decide whether to formally investigate and determine an outcome to the complaints.
Following conversations about James’ actions on the show, the following week Matt issued an on-air apology.
‘Now, before we go on, we just want to say on behalf of the whole team and guests on last week’s show, thank you all the viewers who commented about the end of the show’s shenanigans,’ he told viewers.
‘This is a live entertainment programme, and we are used to spontaneity, particularly by guests who happen to be comedians.
‘In answer to those who were concerned, absolutely nobody here was offended as you can see, Paul the polar bear is fine and not a bauble was broken.’
Soon after James’ tantrum, viewers shared their shock at the carnage he unleashed.
‘James Acaster providing a late entrant to TV moment of the year on Saturday Kitchen,’ user cddevereaux posted on X.
‘If anyone hasn’t seen this please do so. TV moment of the year by far. James Acaster you will always be famous,’ ryanw_film wrote.
‘James Acaster’s reaction to tapas on #SaturdayKitchen is the televisual highlight of 2025,’ PaulBurleyFFS added.
However, others said he’d displayed ‘atrocious behaviour’, with some even calling for him to be ‘banned’ from the show.
In 2019 James also generated plenty of attention after a meltdown while competing on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up 2 Cancer.
The comedian had attempted to make cherry bakewell inspired flapjacks but was instead left with something that resembled a puddle.
‘Started making it, had a breakdown, bon appetit,’ he said during a now infamous exchange with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
In a 2024 stand-up show, James spoke about how he’d been suffering from a 36-hour jetlag during filming, which led to his disastrous effort.
‘I had a full-on meltdown during one day of Bake Off,’ he later told Radio Times when asked if he’d ever sign up for Strictly Come Dancing.
‘From what I understand, Strictly is a bit more stressful than baking for charity,’ he continued.
‘When the contestant goes out in Week 1, you can see their relief because they clearly underestimated how much work it would be. I wouldn’t even get that far. I’d have quit before it was broadcast.’
Metro has contacted the BBC and representatives for James Acaster for comment.
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