Freya Ridings and Jill Douglas Set for James Martin's Saturday Morning
James Martin's Saturday Morning is gearing up for an exciting episode this weekend, featuring a star-studded lineup of guests and delectable recipes. The ITV show, hosted by the renowned chef James Martin, 53, will welcome singer Freya Ridings and sports presenter Jill Douglas to his Hampshire kitchen on Saturday, 21 February.
In addition to the celebrity appearances, viewers can look forward to culinary creations from acclaimed chefs Sat Bains and Dipna and Gulu Anand, promising a blend of entertainment and gastronomic delights.
Freya Ridings' Rise to Fame and Family Legacy
Freya Ridings, 31, first captured public attention in 2017 with her heartfelt ballad, Lost Without You, which climbed into the top ten of the UK Singles Chart. Her discography includes other notable tracks such as I Can't Hear It Now, Castles, Ethereal, and Blackout.
In June 2023, she collaborated with her husband, Ewan J Phillips, to co-write the song Rise for the teen comedy film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, distributed by Universal Pictures.
However, fans might be even more surprised to learn about her family background. Freya has followed in the footsteps of her father, actor Richard Ridings, 67, who is best known as the voice of Daddy Pig in the beloved children's series Peppa Pig, a role he has held since 2004.
Richard Ridings' Illustrious Career and Iconic Role
Richard Ridings' acting portfolio extends far beyond his iconic portrayal of Daddy Pig. He has appeared in various television dramas and films, including playing Alan Ashburn in the ITV series Fat Friends, Mr. Lipa in the World War II drama The Pianist, Buck in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Bernard Green in Common as Muck, and Mr. Bumble in Dickensian.
In a 2022 interview with Business Insider, Richard expressed his deep affection for his role as Daddy Pig, stating he has no plans to retire from it anytime soon. "I will keep going until I lose my voice. Why wouldn't I? It's such a gorgeous thing to be part of. The scripts are superb. I'm a lucky man," he said.
He also mentioned his cautious approach to public appearances in character, aiming to preserve the magic for young viewers. "If someone recognises my voice and asks if I can take a video of me, I tell them no but say I can do a voice recording. It's one of the main reasons I haven't done many TV interviews as Daddy Pig — I don't want to destroy the magic for children," he added.
Family Ties and Future Plans
Reflecting on his family, Richard shared that his younger son is considering a career in acting, and he looks forward to watching Peppa Pig with any future grandchildren. This personal insight adds a heartwarming layer to the Ridings family's connection to the entertainment industry.
James Martin's Saturday Morning continues to air every Saturday at 9:30 am on ITV and ITV X, offering a mix of celebrity interviews, cooking segments, and lively discussions for viewers to enjoy.
