James Martin’s Saturday Morning returned to ITV with a heartwarming mix of star power, culinary delights, and an unexpected furry visitor that delighted viewers nationwide.
This week’s episode featured the legendary West End singer Elaine Paige, who captivated audiences with her timeless voice and candid reflections on her career. Alongside her, chefs Jose Pizarro and Tony Singh showcased inventive dishes, while James prepared a special meal in support of Soccer Aid.
Fans expressed unanimous excitement on social media ahead of the broadcast. The official Saturday Morning Facebook page teased the lineup: “It’s another super Saturday as James is joined by musical theatre star Elaine Paige, and chefs Jose Pizarro and Tony Singh. He’s also serving a dish perfect for sharing while watching Soccer Aid! Join us from 9.30am tomorrow!”
READ MORE: Cotswold Villages Struggle with Poor Mobile Signal, Rely on Home WiFi for Calls
READ MORE: ‘A lot of pride’ but George Skivington felt Gloucester should have beaten Northampton Saints
Viewers chimed in enthusiastically. Comments included, “Elaine’s great, forget the rest…” and “Wonderful to see Elaine Paige as your guest and Chef Tony Singh back in your kitchen James. I’ll be watching in the morning.” Others anticipated the show saying, “This will be a very good one,” and “Can’t wait looks like it’s gonna be a good one.”
A heartwarming moment occurred when James’s dog, Lola, unexpectedly trotted onto the set during a conversation with Elaine, interrupting the flow with adorable antics. The playful canine circled around and even attempted to entice Elaine with a stick, prompting lighthearted warnings that accepting it would get her “done for.” Viewers warmly embraced Lola’s cameo, with one remarking, “And Lola …” and another joking about the puppy’s name while enjoying the food presentation.
Undeterred by Lola’s playful invasion, James continued cooking a stunning dish of brill on the bone, paired with asparagus, morels, wild garlic, and a tangy lemon cream sauce. The relaxed atmosphere allowed Elaine to share her journey, revealing how near she once was to quitting, until landing the life-changing role in Evita. “I’ve been so lucky James really. I’ve been lucky because I’ve been able to do what I really love so it’s never felt like work… I’ve just been very very lucky,” she reflected.
James described Elaine’s voice as “timeless,” a sentiment echoed by the enthusiastic audience.
Saturday Morning with James Martin airs every Saturday at 9:30am on ITV and streaming on ITVX.