Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Saturday Kitchen Schedule Disrupted for Papal Funeral Coverage
The popular BBC cooking show Saturday Kitchen Live, usually hosted by Matt Tebbutt, will be temporarily moved from its regular BBC One timeslot on April 26 to accommodate coverage of a papal funeral. The BBC will broadcast the ceremony on both BBC News and BBC One from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., leading to the one-week schedule alteration. This change means Matt Tebbutt will have to vacate the shows’ usual 10 a.m. slot on BBC One. As a result, Saturday Kitchen Live will air on BBC Two for one week exclusively.
Star-Studded Guest Lineup on BBC Two
For this special broadcast, Tebbutt will be joined by distinguished chefs Elliott Grover and Seema Pankhania. Celebrity guests will include EastEnders personality Adam Woodyatt, alongside Marisha Wallace and Billy Porter, both currently performing in “Cabaret” in London’s West End. Helen McGinn will also offer her expertise on beverages. The episode will maintain its regular 90-minute length, concluding at 11:30 a.m., followed by “Mary Berry – Love To Cook” at 11:30 a.m.
Alternative Coverage on ITV
Rival broadcaster ITV has managed to prevent any schedule adjustments by providing coverage of the funeral on its streaming platform, ITVX, as well as its YouTube channel.
World Leaders Gather for Funeral
Dignitaries and prominent global figures have arrived in Rome to attend the significant open-air funeral held in St Peter’s Square.
- The Vatican has confirmed the presence of 130 delegations.
- This includes 50 heads of state.
- And 10 reigning monarchs.
Former US President Pays Respects
Former US President Donald Trump was seen inside St Peter’s Basilica paying respects to the pontiff before the funeral’s commencement. Accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, he traveled to Italy and the Vatican, arriving on Friday, shortly before the televised funeral was scheduled to begin.
Trump’s Tribute to the Late Pontiff
Prior to departing from the White House, Mr. Trump spoke highly of the late pontiff, characterizing him as a “very good man.” He added, “He loved the world, and he was just a good man. I met him twice; I thought he was a fantastic kind of a guy.”
Notable Figures in Attendance
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is attending.
- Prince William is representing the Royal Family at the service.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also in attendance.