TV chef James Martin has announced he is leaving BBC One's Saturday Kitchen after 10 years as host. His final episode will air at the end of March, after which guest presenters will take over from April.
Martin said he was looking forward to new projects and having a lie-in on Saturday mornings. He thanked viewers for making the show a 'three million-plus smash hit' and expressed gratitude to the BBC for the opportunity.
BBC Daytime controller Dan McGolpin praised Martin's hard work and said his departure was an 'exciting opportunity' to bring in new chefs. He added that Martin would likely return to the BBC in the future.
Martin took over from Antony Worrall Thompson in 2006. The show features celebrity guests sharing their 'food heaven' and 'food hell' and an omelette challenge where chefs compete to make a three-egg omelette in the fastest time.
Martin will continue to appear on Saturday Kitchen Best Bites, which airs on BBC Two on Sunday mornings.
