James Martin Says Goodbye to 10 Years of BBC's 'Saturday Kitchen' to Do 'This Morning' on ITV
James Martin, British chef and TV presenter, is all set to leave his old network BBC and join ITV for a guest slot on the daytime show, "This Morning." He will be doing the show with Ruth Langsford to take on temporarily Eamonn Holmes' place on April 29, Friday. This news comes after his quitting BBC and 10 years of "Saturday Kitchen."
The chef tells Mirror, "I am really excited to be part of a show that has been a staple for so many people. It will be a real pleasure."
A source who is close to the flagship show also says that, "James is very much looking forward to being part of ITV daytime and as well as guest hosting the show …"
The TV personality is also said to be looking forward to sharing his recipes and showcasing his cooking edge now that he would soon be in Studio 8's kitchen.
The slot will be a gauge to see if "This Morning's" viewers would take to having Martin on the show, and the network as well. If all goes well, then Martin may very well land the permanent slot on the ITV daytime show. This stint came a month after he quit the "Saturday Kitchen," having announced his move in February.
"I am looking forward to getting stuck into my new projects and to lots of lie-ins on a Saturday morning."
The 43-year-old kitchen expert had been on "Saturday Kitchen" since 2006, resulting in a teary farewell to his contemporaries on the said show.
The "Saturday Kitchen" star stated that budgets cuts on the show had led him see it as a nightmare. He shared that, for two years, when the sink in the kitchen did not have running water, he had pretended to be washing his hands. And he also stopped inviting audiences on the show because "It was the BBC's decision."
Other chefs have been selected to cover for Martin on his BBC "Saturday Kitchen" until a permanent presenter is found. These names include Lorraine Pascale, Rick Stein, and Gennaro Contaldo.