BREAKING NEWS: James Martin given major boost by ITV after National Television Award nomination
It is going to be a busy year for the British chef
James Martin has been given a major boost by ITV following his nomination at the National Television Awards (NTAs) last week. The British chef not only has seen his Saturday show extended, but will also star in two new shows next year.
James Martin’s Saturday Morning lost out to This Morning at the most recent NTAs in the daytime category. But the show has now been extended into next year after it gained 5.3 million streams on ITV X in the first half of the year.
The show, which first aired in 2017, sees the British chef cooking recipes from the comfort of his own home while chatting to celebrity guests. The show is now in its ninth season and has recently hosted stars such as Strictly Pros Carlos Gu and Amy Dowden and entertainer Jane McDonald.
Martin, who recently appeared a judge on Celebrity Masterchef, has a restaurant in Manchester located in the historic Great Northern warehouse, within Manchester 235 Casino. He is now working on two new prime time shows for ITV due for release in 2027.
He also recently appeared at Bolton food festival, which welcomes more than 550,000 visitors over the bank holiday weekend. It was his 18th appearance at the festival which is one of the main highlights of Greater Manchester’s summer calendar.
The first new show, James Martin’s Italian Adventure, will see the 54-year-old hit the road to combine a love of food, scenery and fast cars in a brand new series. In previous shows James has explored the culinary highlights of America, France, Britain and Spain and now he is heading to Italy.
Throughout the series, James will take on the historic Mille Nigila route which is often know as ‘the most beautiful race in the world’. Fittingly, next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the experience, with the inaugural motor race taking place there in 1927.
James will follow the circuit through a number of foodie hotspots to find out more about each region’s history and local dishes. Along the way, James will also be serving up several recopies that have been inspired by his travels.
The other new show will air on Saturday mornings starting next year. In his new show, James Martin Quick ‘N’ Easy, the chef from Yorkshire will share recipes that can be made quickly and simply at home.
The show aims to bring his cooking expertise into quick and easy dishes that can help save time in the kitchen without compromising on flavour. 2027 marks a busy year for James as Quadrille will publish two new cookbooks featuring some for the recipes seen on the new shows.
James Martin said: “It’s all fantastic news! Saturday Mornings will be continuing in what will be our 10th series of the show on ITV. The shows are an honour and a pleasure to make. Quick N’ Easy, a new format show for ITV was such fun to make and I hope the viewers love the new show.
“My new Italian Adventure offers up some real hidden gems of a fabulous country. I also want to thank the ITV viewers so much for all their support over the years and can’t wait to see our new shows airing in the coming year ahead.”
Assistant Commissioner, ITV Entertainment and Daytime, Leanne Clarke, said: ”After years of serving up great food and plenty of Saturday smiles on ITV, I am thrilled to continue the much loved show James Martin’s Saturday Morning into 2027. Plus, James will host a fresh new series packed with tips for fast recipes we can all achieve at home, and I can’t wait to be back on the road in a place so synonymous with food as we embark on another glorious adventure, this time around beautiful Italy.”
