James Martin has set the record straight following rumours that he had quit his ITV show Saturday Morning. The 52-year-old celebrity chef recently wrapped up the current series on June 7 before heading off for his summer holidays.
At the season finale, James thanked his guests and viewers, saying, “That is also it for the series. Me and the crew are heading off on sunny holidays. Different climates.” Currently, ITV One is airing repeats of Saturday Morning, including episodes from previous years, which may feel different to fans due to recent changes.
After his summer break, ITV made several updates to the show’s presentation, including new titles, updated opening sequences, refreshed music, and a revamped on-screen style. Speaking on the Good Food podcast in October 2024, James addressed the rumours that he had quit, responding, “Contrary to what you read in the newspaper, cause it felt like that was it. It was like ‘James quits again’, I was like, ‘Oh, here we go’, but we naturally break up for the summer anyway.”
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He reassured viewers the show would return with the same vibrant format. “We’re changing the titles, changing the opening titles, changing the music, changing what we call the strap lines, which are underneath,” he explained.
James also shared plans for his summer break, revealing he would be returning home to Yorkshire for a much-deserved rest. He promised fans the show would be back later in the year featuring top chefs, exciting guests, and delicious recipes. “Thanks for watching. See you again soon – goodbye for now,” he added.
Originally from Malton, Yorkshire, James now lives in Hampshire. His countryside home features seven bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen, and 1.5 acres of land, with his Saturday Morning show filmed from a custom kitchen built in his garage. Though he keeps his exact location private, it’s thought to be near his acclaimed restaurant, The Kitchen at Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa.
James Martin first rose to prominence on programmes like Ready Steady Cook and The Big Breakfast, before becoming a familiar face on Richard & Judy. He took over as presenter of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen in 2006 and hosted it for ten years. In 2017, he launched Saturday Morning with James Martin on ITV, continuing to captivate audiences with his culinary expertise.
Saturday Morning with James Martin airs on ITV One at 9:30am. This weekend’s episode, a repeat from series seven, features presenter Suzi Perry, chefs Romy Gill and Paul Foster, and First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths.