Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt opens up on terrifying ordeal and says 'there was blood'

Saturday Kitchen sensation Matt Tebbutt has opened up about a harrowing experience in which he was mugged in London, leaving him rattled and slightly injured. The esteemed chef and television host, aged 50, recounted the alarming incident during an intimate chat with Fabulous magazine, confessing that the event has made him more cautious while out and about in the metropolis.

"I got mugged in London recently and there was blood - well, a trickle anyway - so I'm a bit more wary since then," he disclosed. While herefrained from divulging the particulars of the encounter, it's evident the episode had a profound effect on him.

Tebbutt, who has been at the helm of the BBC's premier weekend cooking programme since 2016, is more accustomed to navigating culinary mayhem than urban delinquency. The professionally trained chef pursued his education at Leiths School of Food and Wine following a degree in Geography and Anthropology at Oxford Brookes.

Prior to his transition to television, he managed the acclaimed Foxhunter restaurant in Wales for over ten years. Nowadays, he's renowned for whipping up delectable dishes with star-studded guests and culinary connoisseurs every Saturday morning - as well as for his on-air camaraderie with wine expert Olly Smith.

When probed about his undercover celebrity infatuation, Tebbutt playfully confessed: "Olly Smith. Well, it's not so secret, really. Our on-screen bromance spills over into real life, and we are great mates."

Despite his assured demeanour in front of the camera, Tebbutt has revealed that he's plagued by stage fright when it comes to off-screen oratory. "I've always struggled with public speaking, so a podium and an audience are pretty scary, too," he openly shared.

When quizzed about who would portray him in a biopic, Tebbutt mused: "In my head, I am Paul Rudd, but more realistically, it would probably be the rugged Jason Isaacs - I love them both, and Jason would make a great Bond."

Tebbutt also divulged some whimsical aspects of his character, including his fondness for supermarket crab sticks, despite questioning their culinary legitimacy. "Are they even proper food? I made the mistake of looking at the ingredients the other day. If you like them too, I'd suggest not doing that."

Away from the limelight, Tebbutt resides in Monmouthshire with his spouse, Lisa, and their children. His past includes training with the RAF University Air Squadron, and he cites learning to fly as a monumental personal accomplishment - a passion now being pursued by his son.

Despite his burgeoning fame, Tebbutt maintains that his life's necessities remain uncomplicated: "Some great food, simply cooked, decent wine and good company - and a cracking playlist."

As for his ideal dinner party attendees, Tebbutt's choices are as daring and distinguished as his culinary creations: "Sean Lock, David Niven and Dudley Moore. I wish I'd had the chance to meet Sean - what a naturally funny and all-round great bloke. I love David Niven's hilarious memoirs. And Dudley? Well, he's Dudley Moore!"