BBC News hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt have garnered over 100 complaints about their ‘obnoxious, rude and self-absorbed’ appearance on Saturday Kitchen last weekend.
The journalists, aged 46 and 58 respectively, were guest stars on the cookery show, which is presented by Matt Tebbutt and featured guest chef Yotam Ottolenghi.
Filming descended into chaos when the pair were accused of rudeness and ‘appallingly cringeworthy’ behaviour, with more than 100 viewers lodging official complaints.
Twitter was flooded with angry comments, leading to the BBC releasing a statement noting the ‘relaxed’ nature of the weekend show.
Anger: BBC News hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt have garnered over 100 complaints about their ‘obnoxious, rude and self-absorbed’ appearance on Saturday Kitchen last weekend
During the show, Matt asked the duo how they ‘turn off’ from the news due to the upsetting bulletins they deliver everyday, however Naga and Charlie responded with jeers about the ‘depressing’ nature of the question.
Naga spoke into the camera to say: ‘If you want to switch off the news, don’t watch Saturday Kitchen’, while Charlie forced Matt to show his questions.
The two then sat mocking his pre-prepared questions, leaving Matt begging the duo to concentrate due to the pressing time limits on the live show.
Continuing to read from his cue card, Naga said: ‘This is where Matt’s mind goes when he’s preparing his questions – “Any stand out moments”‘, she went on to make a crude snoring sound and roll her eyes.
Not best pleased: The journalists, aged 46 and 58 respectively, were guest stars on the cookery show, which is presented by Matt Tebbutt and featured guest chef Yotam Ottolenghi
It has been revealed that six days on, over 100 complaints have been lodged.
A statement from the BBC reads: ‘Saturday Kitchen Live’s format allows for an informal chatty style and the guests are encouraged to feel relaxed in the studio…
‘Some viewers found the behaviour and comments of the guests this week to be inappropriate and that they were rude to presenter Matt.
‘We appreciate the feedback and we shared it with the Saturday Kitchen team.’
MailOnline has contacted representative for Naga and Charlie for comment.
Statement: Twitter was flooded with angry comments, leading to the BBC releasing a statement noting the ‘relaxed’ nature of the weekend show
In action: Filming descended into chaos when the pair were accused of rudeness and ‘appallingly cringeworthy’ behaviour, with more than 100 viewers lodging official complaints
Twitter was flooded with rage from viewers, with users penning: ‘I have to say I think Matt did a brilliant job ‘cos Naga & Charlie were pretty awful guests in my opinion! I thought they were very rude and disruptive- they are fellow presenters!’
‘Can someone tell Naga and Charlie they’re not presenting? Constant interruptions. I think Matt deserves a medal for the way he is handling their rudeness.’
‘I’m sure they’re all friendly with each other off screen but the man’s trying to do his job.’
‘Should have put Superglue Sandwich on on the #saturdaykitchen menu….for Naga and Charlie gobs… Charlie and Naga deserved to get food hell.’
‘Their behaviour has been appallingly cringeworthy. Matt has handled them very well – congratulations to him! I’d love to see how the breakfast hosts would deal with equally obnoxious guests.’
Anger: Twitter was flooded with rage from viewers when the show aired
‘Well done Matt!… Good, Charlie and Naga were absolutely awful, I’m surprised it wasn’t 100%. Obnoxious, rude, self-obsessed. Matt and Yotam working hard to keep it together with those two children in the studio.’
Others defended the appearance and insisted in a series of tweets that the entire exchange was in the nature of good fun.
Users penned: ‘Can’t help but laugh at the Twitter rage on #SaturdayKitchen at Naga & Charlie. I think @matt_tebbutt has handled the banter with bashful good grace.’
‘I think the teasing that Matt usually courts is what makes the show fresh and entertaining…
‘Best TV I’ve seen in ages. Laughed so much. Well done Naga and Charlie. Don’t listen to the negative comments. X.’
Not too bad: Others defended the appearance and insisted in a series of tweets that the entire exchange was in the nature of good fun
‘Enjoyed Saturday kitchen so much this morning. Between Naga, Charlie and Matt there was so much going on and very good humour.’
‘People need to chill out!! It’s clear Matt gets on with Naga and Charlie and this is just an extension of their weekly link to the programme! I have loved it!! Thumbs up Well Done all!… I really enjoyed Naga and Charlie on #SaturdayKitchen.’
‘Breath of fresh air in an old format. Great show. More of this and less of the guests plugging books/plays/tv shows etc. please.’
Earlier this month, Naga hit back at a troll who called her ‘false’ on Twitter.
The BBC Breakfast presenter replied to a viewer who tweeted: ‘Really wish they would axe her. She is so false. She hasn’t got a nice or watchable bone in her body. She is so annoying I have to switch off.’
Retweeting the comment, she added the reply: ‘Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very constructive indeed (does that sound genuine enough?)’
Hitting back: Earlier this month, Naga hit back at a troll who called her ‘false’ on Twitter
Tough: In 2016, Naga said she was ‘not there to be abused’ as she spoke out about the horrendous racial and sexist abuse she was bombarded with on Twitter
In 2016, Naga said she was ‘not there to be abused’ as she spoke out about the horrendous racial and sexist abuse she was bombarded with on Twitter.
The journalist said she accepted that criticism is part of her role in the public eye but will always call out those who are simply abusive.
She previously told the Daily Mirror: ‘I’m on telly, I’m in your home, so if you want to criticise me, fine. But I’m not there to be abused. Nobody is there to be abused.
‘You don’t abuse someone while they’re doing their job, and you don’t make racist, sexist or bigoted comments.
‘If someone says, “She did a bad job of that interview, I’ve come away and not understood anything”, I would go back and re-examine that interview.
‘Racist and sexist stuff, I just think, “You’re an idiot.”‘