Nigella beware – YouTube is where even the most fervent TV cooking fans are heading for tips

Whether talking about the kitchen or the garden the internet offers all the information we need, says Janet Street-Porter

Nigella Lawson’s BBC shows were once unmissable, but today’s audiences tend to look elsewhere for their culinary tips (BBC)

My dad was super-keen on DIY, and his favourite television programme featured Barry Bucknell, always renovating a house somewhere in the suburbs. Soon, our tiny living room featured an alcove filled with shelves just like the one Barry made.

Unfortunately my father’s skills weren’t passed on, and I leave any home improvements to experts. Cookery programmes and celebrity chefs like Nigella and Nigel have replaced decorating shows like Changing Rooms over the last decade, but are they following Barry into broadcasting history?

New Ofcom research shows that young people watch 46 per cent less “leisure” programming on the broadcast channels than they did in 2014 – now, they access YouTube for tutorials and advice. I must own at least 40 cookery books, but they hardly get opened; usually, I look at what’s in the fridge and type the ingredients into a search engine. That way I make something new and not the same old standby. Sardines with chickpeas, a chicken curry, red pepper pasta, all in the last week.

As we’re eating free meat (venison found roadside), my household watches videos explaining how to butcher the meat and cure the skin. My partner has followed a tutorial about brining bacon and learned how to prune an ageing apple tree. Monty Don is a friendly face, but I fear his days are numbered, even for my generation of loyal fans.