BBC Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt jokes about 'rival' James Martin

Celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt seemed to have a bit of fun at the expense of his former colleague and 'rival' TV chef James Martin. Taking over as host of BBC's Saturday Kitchen in 2016, after previously filling in as a guest presenter, Tebbutt joined the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast where he appeared to joke about Martin.

During the podcast, Wogan referred to Tebbutt as "the thinking person's James Martin" sparking a conversation about competition among weekend TV chefs. Wogan queried: "There's a mild rivalry with weekend chefs? What is that about? ".

To which Tebbutt responded with a laugh: "Viewing figures! Can we stay on air? Can we pay our mortgage?" reports the Express.

The discussion continued with Wogan mentioning: "There's your good self, there's James, who used to be where you are." Tebbutt then quipped: "[James is] doing exactly the same thing on ITV. After wanting to leave."

Despite the playful comments, Tebbutt was quick to clarify that there is a sense of 'friendly rivalry' amongst the chefs and acknowledged that they all aim for the highest viewership numbers. James Martin departed from the BBC and Saturday Kitchen eight years prior, opting to join ITV with his own show, James Martin's Saturday Morning.

Martin wrapped up the latest series of his programme on June 8, taking to social media to express gratitude towards his audience.

He said: "Thank you all for tuning in as we air the last show of this series before the summer break! We look forward to August and returning with more amazing guests and chefs for you! Thank you."