On New Year’s Day, beloved chef James Martin returned to ITV1 with a special broadcast from his Hampshire countryside home, sharing candid reflections and culinary delights. Joining him were chefs Sally Abe and John Hooker, alongside former England rugby star and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Chris Robshaw.
As the trio chatted, James made a “hard” admission about the demanding nature of Strictly Come Dancing, recalling his own 2005 journey where he finished in fourth place with professional partner Camilla Dallerup. “People don’t realise how difficult it is and the amount of physical work that goes into it,” he revealed. “Working alongside world champions who are incredibly fit is a big responsibility—especially when they’re moving someone like me.”
James proudly showed off a pair of dance shoes signed by Sir Bruce Forsyth, describing them as his “pride and joy,” a reminder of the dedication the show requires.
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Chris Robshaw shared his experience on Strictly, admitting he wasn’t a confident dancer before joining. “I wouldn’t usually be on a dancefloor unless it was a wedding after a few drinks,” he laughed. However, after encouragement and diving into the full Strictly experience—including spray tans and sparkly outfits—he gained confidence. Paired with five-time world champion Nadiya Bychkova, Chris reached the third round before leaving the show following a dance-off.
Chris reflected on the contrast between rugby and dance, saying, “In rugby, we’re trained to be low, tackling and scrumming… Dancing’s the complete opposite.” His journey highlighted how demanding and transformative the experience can be.
The show also featured James preparing a mouthwatering steak sandwich with three layers of onions, mustard mayonnaise, and salsa verde for Chris. Viewers were treated to a sticky toffee yule log masterclass led by James, while John Hooker showcased a monkfish dish, and Sally Abe cooked an egg and mushroom recipe.
James Martin’s Saturday Morning special is available to stream now on ITVX.