In response to the feedback we’ve had from viewers of Jamie’s Ministry of Food, I’m delighted to announce that a pre-watershed version of the series – with strong language removed – will soon be available for free online via Catch-Up and 4oD.
Though the programme is broadcast after 9pm, when stronger language can be used, a number of viewers have contacted Channel 4 in recent weeks to say they’ve been disappointed with the amount of swearing featured.
Many of those who commented on The TV Show blog said they had wanted to encourage younger viewers to join in Jamie’s healthy eating campaign, but were unable to do so as a result of his swearing.
I passed on this feedback to the programme’s commissioning editor Dominique Walker last week and the new pre-watershed version has come as a direct result of that conversation – so thanks, as ever, for sharing your views, it really does make a difference!
If you would like to enjoy Jamie’s Ministry of Food without the strong language, please keep an eye on the Channel 4 website – the new version will be with you very shortly.
Commentsoldest first
While I am disappointed that Jamie swears so much on his Ministry of Food programme, what iritated me is that there are many of us who do cook healthily, we DO pass it on. For instance all my children and their contempories cook from scratch. My grandchildren NEVER go to Mcdonalds and indeed I do not know location of nearest to where they live…
Whilst a version of this programme without the bad language is welcomed, I’m afraid that the damage is done. I expect a few expletives when warned, but not a continous stream throught the whole programme. Might I add I’m very passionate about what I do too, but you won’t find me swearing openly and repeatedly regardless of how much stress and dissapointment crops up. Give it a break Jamie, I expect it from certain other chefs, but not you. As for the programme itself and the content, go for it. You know it really makes sense.
Whether Jamie Oliver is only allowed to swear after 9pm is irrelevant. Most people do not want to hear his offensive language before, during or after 9pm. Jamie is passionate and outstanding at what he does best……but why has he stooped so low as to want to match his biggest rival Gordan Ramsey to outdo him on the swearing front. So Channel 4 don’t give us a lame excuse for a sensored programme before 9pm and appear to have done something positive. Get Jamie to tone it down otherwise you lose viewers, Jamie loses fans….and Gordon’s ratings rocket.
I also agree with the amount of swearing in Jamies programme, my children like to see Jamie do the show and I was not keen for them to see it but we lilked what the programme was about, I am sure Jamie would not be happy for his children to watch that amount of swearing either. I am pleased that there is going to be a pre watershed show however it is just a pity that people talk like that in normal conversation, and it is accepted as the norm, and may I say I am not an old person complaining for the sake of it I am just a concerned 43 year old mum, thank you
Thanks for your feedback, which we are continuing to pass onto the programme making team
Having started to watch Jamie Oliver’s programme for the first time this week, I was compelled to switch off what appeared to be an excellent programme spoiled by the repeated and totally unnecessary use of foul language. As a head teacher I was appalled to hear such language from a person who professes to hold childrens’ interests and wellbeing at heart. In my school, such language from an adult would have brought about instant suspension. Please clean up the programme or suspend it from broadcast.
I have also watched the Ministry of Food programmes and like other viewers I switched yesterday’s episode off. I think the topic is really interesting and important, but utterly demeaning. The participants from Rotherham showed great restraint and patience in tolerating Jamie’s inarticulate dialogue full of expletives. I think Jamie has done stirling work in promoting healthy eating, but, please, who on earth at Channel 4 came up with this patronising treatment? Surely Jamie himself must have questioned the script? And why so much repetition? Ditch Jamie and get Mick the Miner to promote cooking – Mick is a far more dignified role model.
Following my earlier recent comment:
I didn’t think I would be the only one complaining about bag language in Jamie’s programme. It is evident to me that a good many people would like to eradicate bad language in all tv programms. Joan Fryer
I think it is very disappointing that you feel it is alright for Jamie Oliver to use foul language after the 9pm watershed. It does nothing to enhance his show and alienates people who have previously admired him for not behaving in the same way as Gordon Ramsey. Like many people, I find it offensive and feel it shows a lack of respect for his audience
I have in the past admired Jamie Oliver and his initiatives. But after watching the Ministry of Food programme and listening to his constant foul language I no longer wish to watch him on tv or purchase any of his products. I find it extremely offensive that Jamie Oliver feels the need to have to communicate with viewers at such a basic gutteral level.
my mates and I really rate Jamie Oliver but cant understand why he started to use such fowl (sorry, foul) language, he doesnt need to compete with Gordon Ramsey, it seems so false and makes us cringe, he should be himself. Have a word with him! Steve.
I have just been reading about the issue of Jamie’s swearing in the Sunday papers. I’m not surprised that it has been picked up there.
I was stunned by the language when I watched the programme and spent more time concentrating on that than what he was actually saying!
I’m sure Jamie really believes in his cause but now all of the attention is on his language and not the issue of getting people eating well which is a shame.
I don’t know about kitchen hygiene but I would like to suggest a large bar of soap for Jamie Oliver’s mouth. I don’t have swearing in my house and my reaction if I hear it on any programme is to switch over or off, which rather defeats the object of him trying to get his message across to as many people as possible. If he doesn’t know enough words from our rich and varied language to describe his feelings or what he is doing then I suggest he buy himself a good dictionary.
I think it’s a total shame Jamies found it nescessary to use bad language. His idea was fantastic and great that he took the chalenge on, its need someone like him to bring awareness and give people motivation and support. WHY Why! did he need to turn into Gorden Ramsey! – Jamie why not be yor self! there no need. Previous post said about shame children could not be involve as they are the future teachers. Have to say it was a good program though!
There is an interesting report here of the response from Jamie’s production company to viewer concerns about swearing
http://www.thedailydust.co.uk/2008/12/15/jamie-oliver-to-stop-swearing-on-tv/
I expect he wants to be like Gordon??
the best way is to turn him off,There are plenty of other great programs
Leave a comment
* Required field.