Celebrity chef James Martin has openly discussed his departure from BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, saying, “It was the right time for me.” The 53-year-old culinary star first rose to prominence on shows like Ready Steady Cook and The Big Breakfast before becoming the presenter of Saturday Kitchen in 2006.
After ten years leading the show, James chose to leave the BBC and launch James Martin’s Saturday Morning on ITV One. Now in its ninth series, this pre-recorded show is filmed in James’s purpose-built kitchen at his Hampshire home, where he welcomes a variety of chefs and celebrity guests.
James has previously revealed that his decision to switch networks was partly driven by a desire for a better work-life balance and the chance to “reset.” Speaking to Woman’s Way magazine, he said, “I didn’t think I’d be doing [Saturday morning telly] for 20 years — put it that way. Leaving the BBC after 10 years was a big decision, giving up that show, but it was the right time for me.”
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Filming from his own kitchen offers a “different vibe” and a “more relaxed” setting for conversations with guests, marking a new chapter in his career.
James’s television journey began somewhat unexpectedly while working as head chef at the Hotel Du Vin, a prestigious role he took on at just 22. Reflecting at Game Fair 2024, he shared how TV was something he was “dragged into” initially and later embraced as a fresh opportunity. He praised ITV for being the first broadcaster in 30 years to ask what he wanted to do, which led to projects like revisiting France, where he began his culinary career.
Since moving to ITV, James has also hosted several travel programmes, exploring locations such as Spain, the Scottish Highlands, and America. One notable series, James Martin’s French Adventure, allowed him to revisit the roots of his culinary journey.
Despite his TV success, James admits he never watches his own shows. Talking to the Irish News, he said, “I’ve never watched myself in 34 years of doing it. I can’t watch it, I just can’t — it’s really weird. I was always taught, if you’re going to watch yourself, you’ll change. I don’t really want to do that.”
James Martin’s Saturday Morning airs on ITV One at 9:30 am. This week’s episode features cycling legend Mark Cavendish, chefs Lesley Waters and Ashley Palmer-Watts, and baker Richard Bertinet joining James in the studio.