The Saturday Kitchen star shared an emotional tribute.

James Martin paid tribute to his friend (Image: ITV)

Saturday Kitchen star James Martin has been supported after sharing an emotional tribute to a “true friend”. The 53-year-old chef and TV presenter took to Instagram to share a post about one of his former mentors, Michel Roux.

He shared some pictures of them together in happier times, as they smiled brightly into the camera. James heartbreakingly penned: “Six years ago I lost a great friend, and the world lost a great man, Michel Roux. Thank you Michel for being in my life, for your guidance, knowledge, wisdom and for being a true friend.” Fans rushed to support the BBC star, with one writing: “He had the most incredible laugh. Great guy.” Another added: “Love these pictures of you both, such wonderful memories for you of such a legend oh and not forgetting your crepes were too thick.”

“The fire he lit in kitchens around the world still burns. Legends never leave the table… they simply become part of the recipe. RIP Monsieur Roux,” one more person said.

Meanwhile, another wrote: “An absolute legend, James. Sorely missed. RIP Michel Roux,” and someone else commented: “A great chef and a beautiful soul.”

The renowned French chef mentored James, advising him on his career, and appeared on his TV shows. They were friends and colleagues for more than 30 years.

They cooked together on various shows, including a memorable, heartfelt episode at Michel’s home in the South of France.

Michel died back in 2020, aged 78, following a longstanding battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. At the time, a family statement said Roux’s “star will shine forever”.

His son Alain and daughters, Francine and Christine, on behalf of the family, said he was “a father figure inspiring all with his insatiable appetite for life and irresistible enthusiasm”.

“We are grateful to have shared our lives with this extraordinary man, and we’re so proud of all he’s achieved,” they added.

“A humble genius, legendary chef, popular author and charismatic teacher, Michel leaves the world reeling in his wake.

“But above all, we will miss his mischievous sense of fun, his huge, bottomless heart and generosity and kindness that knew no bounds. Michel’s star will shine forever, lighting the way for a generation of chefs to follow.”