Olivia Attwood's debut as host of ITV's new reality cooking show, The Heat, has been met with criticism following the airing of its first episode. The show, which pits ten aspiring chefs against each other under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli in Barcelona, was expected to captivate viewers but instead fell short of expectations. Reports indicate that the service at a pop-up establishment was subpar, leading to frustration among attendees who felt let down by the experience.

Guests at the event expressed discontent after waiting nearly two hours for their main courses, while disturbances from the kitchen added to the chaos. According to a source, the diners were offered only warm non-alcoholic Prosecco for refreshment, further exacerbating the negative impression of the show’s execution. This criticism points to significant logistical flaws in the production that could overshadow the culinary competition intended to showcase talented chefs.

The backlash raises questions about the viability of reality TV cooking shows, especially those featuring high-profile personalities. If the initial response is indicative of the show's future, The Heat may need to address these critical issues swiftly to salvage its reputation and viewer engagement. With viewers and critics unimpressed thus far, it remains to be seen whether Attwood and her team can pivot from this rocky start to deliver a successful series moving forward.