Saturday Kitchen Star Chokes Back Tears in Emotional Tribute to Late Chef

Heartfelt Tribute

A fan-favorite Saturday Kitchen star, Gennaro Contaldo, choked back tears as he paid tribute to his late "best mate" and fellow chef, Antonio Carluccio, live on air. The emotional scenes unfolded on the BBC One series, evoking sympathy from host Matt Tebbutt and the rest of the guests.

Remembering Antonio Carluccio

Gennaro Contaldo became emotional when reminiscing about his 'best friend' Antonio Carluccio, who passed away at the age of 80 in 2017. The Italian chef's heartfelt statement came after a light-hearted moment on the show turned emotional.

Touching Moment

During a cooking segment with Matt Tebbutt, Gennaro introduced a pre-recorded clip featuring himself and Antonio Carluccio, saying, "Antonio loved it so much, and I miss him so much." The nostalgic footage showcased the duo cooking up a Neapolitan ragu in Gennaro's hometown of Amalfi.

Chef's Legacy

Antonio Carluccio, known as the godfather of Italian gastronomy, left behind a remarkable legacy. He founded the Carluccio's restaurant chain, building it into a £90 million empire with numerous restaurants and employees. Carluccio was also honored by the Italian government with the title of Commendatore for his services to Italy.

Comic Relief

Prior to the emotional tribute, Gennaro Contaldo injected humor into the show by playfully critiquing Matt Tebbutt's cooking. The Italian chef caused chaos by objecting to the use of cream in a risotto demonstration, leading to a hilarious exchange that left everyone in stitches.