Comedian has ‘meltdown’ and destroys show’s set in 'disgraceful' outburst
James Acaster gave Saturday Kitchen viewers quite a shock when he had a meltdown live on TV and trashed the set.
The comedian, 40, took aim at a Christmas tree and punched a life-size polar bear prop square in the face during yesterday's (6 December) episode of the BBC show.
His outburst has been dubbed 'disgraceful' by some and downright hilarious by others after footage of it began to circulate on social media.
Acaster was appearing on the show, which is loved by foodies, alongside fellow comedian Ed Gamble as the pair were promoting the latest series of their hit podcast, Off the Menu.
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During the episode of Saturday Kitchen, host Matt Tebbutt was tasked with revealing the results of a public poll.
Viewers had been asked to choose between Acaster and Gamble's 'heavenly' dishes - either Panettone Tiramisu or tapas three ways.
Unfortunately for Acaster, 54 per cent of the British public said they preferred dining on an array of Spanish dishes rather than his decadent dessert, which was news he didn't take too well.
Take a look at this:
As Tebbutt announced that tapas proved triumphant and Gamble began to celebrate with a grin, Acaster let out a visceral scream and bounded up out of his seat.
The Northamptonshire-born star then launched the festive wreath that was on top of the table, where he was sitting with Andi Oliver and Tasha Marikkar.
The innocent-looking stuffed polar bear, which was behind him, got it next, as Acaster lamped the prop right in the face, sending its Santa hat flying.
The funnyman then made a beeline for the Christmas tree and gave it a good shake, although he thankfully stopped short of taking it down.
This all came much to the amusement of the rest of the stars on Saturday Kitchen, as well as a ton of viewers - but not everyone saw the funny side of the comedian's antics.
Taking to X, one person put it simply and said: "What a d**khead."
Another wrote: "Is this supposed to be funny? Its utterly pathetic. The bloke, whoever he is, is an absolute weapon & the others laughing at this are just as bad."
A third said: "Why have I just turned on my TV to see James Acaster destroy half the set of Saturday Kitchen?"
And a fourth added: "Hoping James offers to clear up the mess he made."
But on the other hand, fans of Acaster said his meltdown might just be the best 'TV moment of the year'.
"It was very funny," one viewer said. "I can't help wishing a few more celebs took themselves less seriously on stuff like, or crappy game shows. Well done James, you brightened up and otherwise dull Saturday Kitchen."
A second commented: "Thought it was very funny. Seems a vast majority disagree. No sense of humour left in the world."
"James Acaster's reaction to tapas on #SaturdayKitchen is the televisual highlight of 2025," a third concluded.
LADbible has contacted Acaster's representatives for comment.
Olivia Burke