16 December 2023 , 13:57
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ITV Saturday Morning with James Martin fans decided to give today's episode "a miss", after an "insufferable" guest appearance from Cliff Richard.
The veteran pop star was on the popular chat show with Judi Love, where they tried chef James' cod and roast beef. But things have been turbulent for 83-year-old Cliff recently, following his 'fat-shaming' drama with Alison Hammond.
The official ITV Saturday Morning account wrote on X: "This am @jamesmartinchef is joined by Sir Cliff Richard and @1Judilove, who try cod, roast beef and Yorkshire puddings, and chicken blanquette. @RichardBertinet, @_LisaAllen and Sat Bains are in the house too, cooking up a storm with some delicious recipes! See you at 9.30, @ITV."
Fans said they were 'out' when Cliff's appearance was announced (ITV)And in the wake of his recent controversy, viewers tuned out, before taking to Twitter to share their annoyance with the booking.
One disgruntled fan wrote: "After his fat shaming on This Morning I will give it a miss thanks," while another fumed: "Cliff Richards is insufferable, sorry James. He completely ruined that episode of #Saturdaykitchen a few weeks back and will no doubt have the same effect on your show."
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"Yeah I’ll pass after his appearance on this morning," a third wrote. "Surprised he had his picture with anyone bigger than him! Which is basically anyone"
Another viewer defected to the BBC, commenting: "I’m out, over to Matt and Saturday Kitchen on BBC One today ... Cliff not for me." And one traumatised social media user added: "#saturdayjamesmartin My eyes will never unsee Cliff Richard dancing. What was that?" Someone else simply stated: "Cliff Richard? I'm out."
Cliff's recent dispute saw him make the fat-shaming comments on This Morning, while talking with Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary and Sarah Ferguson last month. Discussing his showbiz career, he name dropped some of the other famous people he had met along the way - revealing he turned down the chance to see King of Rock n Roll Elvis Presley. But things turned sour when he explained why, saying he didn't want to be photographed with him because he was overweight at the time.
Cliff made the controversial comments on This Morning (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)He bizarrely explained: "He'd put on a lot of weight. I thought, 'if I'm taking a photograph with him, and it's going to be hanging on my refrigerator, he's gotta look good."
And when Elvis died in 1977, he realised he'd missed his chance, adding: "I put it off, and then, of course, he died."
Alison wasn't happy with his comment though, quipping: "Should never have put it off just because they're a little bit heavier."
She added: "If you're a fan of somebody, if you get the chance to meet them, meet them, even if they're put on weight." She later joked: "Is that why you don't want me at your house?"