Celebrity chef James Martin appears poised to walk down the aisle after his girlfriend, personal trainer Kim Johnson, seemingly confirmed their engagement following reports of a Christmas proposal. The 53-year-old culinary star, known for his television work including Saturday Kitchen, has been in a relationship with Johnson, 39, for two years. This development represents a significant shift for Martin, who has publicly declared on multiple occasions that marriage was not for him.
A History of Personal Volte-Faces
This engagement marks another chapter in Martin's history of changing personal stances, mirroring the turbulent dynamics he has experienced within his own family over the years. The chef's relationship with his father, Ian, has been particularly strained, with Martin once firmly stating that his father would "never be a part of his life" following a bitter and prolonged family rift.
Early Strains and Harsh Departure
The roots of their difficult relationship stretch back to Martin's youth. He has recounted how, after graduating college and expressing his desire to pursue a culinary career in London, his father's send-off was far from supportive. "He drove me to the train station and told me to bugger off and have a good time," Martin recalled in an interview. Arriving in the capital with just £50, he secured work in a Kensington kitchen within 24 hours, beginning his ascent in the culinary world.
The Autobiography Controversy
Relations reached a critical low in 2008 following the publication of Martin's autobiography, Driven. The book contained vitriolic passages about his father's ex-wife, Sarah Briggs, his former stepmother. Briggs was shocked and hurt by accusations that she had destroyed keepsakes from Martin's childhood, claims she vehemently denied as "wholly untrue." She successfully sued for libel, resulting in the original edition being pulped, damages paid, and a public apology issued by Martin, who later called the book his "biggest regret."
Even after the legal settlement, father and son remained estranged. Martin admitted they were both "too stubborn" to reconcile and claimed the "only good thing" from the ordeal was the realisation he would never speak to his father again. He described over a decade of tumultuous family dynamics as "relentless."
A Surprising Reconciliation
Despite this staunch position, a thaw eventually occurred. Last year, Martin revealed they had buried the hatchet. He shared an emotional account of treating his father to a stay at The Ritz hotel and taking him backstage at the London Palladium for one of his live shows. "He couldn't believe his son's name was in lights outside the theatre," Martin said. Spotting his father in the audience moved him to tears, symbolising a poignant moment of acceptance and success for the "farmer's kid."
Contrasting Family Bonds
In stark contrast to the fraught relationship with his father, Martin has always maintained an exceptionally close bond with his mother, Sue. He describes her as his biggest fan and most honest critic, speaking to her multiple times daily. He became emotional recalling her simple praise: "The boy's done good." Martin considers buying his mother a house his "greatest achievement," reflecting the strong values of family care instilled in him.
He also credited his late grandmother, Marjorie, with inspiring his culinary career. "My grandmother was a huge influence," he said, recalling childhood memories of her allotment and home cooking. He lamented that she did not live to see him compete on Strictly Come Dancing, her favourite programme.
A New Chapter with Kim Johnson
The engagement to Kim Johnson signifies another profound personal shift. Just two years ago, Martin split from long-term girlfriend Louise Davies after a twelve-year relationship. His romance with Johnson became public in April last year, and she reportedly moved into his Hampshire home last October. Reports suggest he proposed at Christmas, gifting her a £150,000 Land Rover as an engagement present. Johnson seemingly confirmed the news on social media with a post referring to Martin as her "fiancé."
This commitment is a direct reversal of Martin's previous stance. In 2019, he stated, "Marriage doesn't interest me in the slightest... I don't need to spend 60 grand on a day." He had also expressed regret about prioritising his career over starting a family, calling it the "biggest low" of his professional life.
Previous Relationships
Kim Johnson was previously married to businessman Arun Nayar, following his divorce from actress Elizabeth Hurley. They married in 2016 but divorced the following year. Martin's relationship with TV producer Louise Davies began in 2011 after they met on the set of Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. Their split in December 2023 was described as amicable, with both parties remaining friends.
As James Martin prepares for this new chapter of marriage, his journey underscores a narrative of personal evolution, complex family reconciliation, and a chef who, despite previous declarations, is now following a more traditional path of commitment.
