Celebrity chef James Martin has candidly discussed his departure from the BBC's Saturday Kitchen, stating unequivocally that "it was the right time for me". The presenter, who fronted the popular cookery show for a decade after landing the role in 2006, made the switch to ITV in 2016.
The Decision for a Career Reset
In a recent interview with Woman’s Way magazine, the 53-year-old chef reflected on the significant career move. Martin, who first found fame on programmes like Ready Steady Cook and The Big Breakfast, admitted he never anticipated spending two decades on Saturday morning television. "I didn’t think I’d be doing [Saturday morning telly] for 20 years - put it that way," he said. He described leaving the BBC after 10 years as a "big decision", but one that ultimately felt correct for his personal and professional trajectory.
Martin has previously cited a desire for a better work-life balance as a key factor ahead of the broadcaster switch. He felt the move presented a vital opportunity to "reset" his career, a process he felt was necessary after being "dragged" into television initially while working at the Hotel Du Vin, where he became head chef at just 22 years old.
Creating a New Chapter with ITV's Saturday Morning
His ITV venture, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, is now in its ninth series and offers a distinctly different format. The show is pre-recorded from a specially designed kitchen at his Hampshire home, which Martin says creates a "different vibe". He emphasises that this setup allows for a "more relaxed" atmosphere when interviewing his flurry of celebrity and chef guests, marking a "different chapter" in his career.
A pivotal moment came when ITV executives asked him what he wanted to do. "ITV were the first people in 30 years who said, 'What do you want to do?'" Martin revealed at the Game Fair 2024. This led to travel series that saw him explore locations from Spain and the Scottish Highlands to the United States, even retracing his early career steps in James Martin’s French Adventure.
Life On and Off Screen
Despite his enduring screen presence, Martin admits to one peculiar professional habit: he never watches himself on television. In comments to the Irish News, he stated, "I’ve never watched myself in 34 years of doing it. I can’t watch it, I just can’t – it’s really weird." He explained that he was taught watching himself would cause him to change his natural presentation style, something he wishes to avoid.
James Martin’s Saturday Morning continues to air on ITV One at 9.30am. The upcoming episode will feature cycling legend Mark Cavendish, alongside chefs Lesley Waters and Ashley Palmer-Watts, and baker Richard Bertinet.
