James Martin receives overwhelming support as he announces summer break from Saturday Morning

James Martin has received a wave of support after announcing his departure from Saturday Morning for the summer break. The beloved 51-year-old TV chef made the announcement during the last episode of the current series on ITV, as he prepares to take his well-deserved summer hiatus.

Taking to Instagram, James posted a photo featuring the Saturday Kitchen logo and his 2024 TV Choice Award, informing his followers about the show's pause for the summer. In the caption accompanying the images, he showed his appreciation, stating: "Thank you all for tuning in as we air the last show of this series before the summer break! We look forward to August and returning with more amazing guests and chefs for you! Thank you."

The comments section was swiftly inundated with messages of support. Guest Richard Bertinet commented: "Thank you James and the all production team! Always a treat to be on the show! Get some rest!", reports the Mirror.

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One fan expressed: "Will enjoy your show and will look forward to seeing you again in August. Have a good summer." Another added: "It's been epic. well done chef x."

A further comment read: "I'm going to miss you and your show James, but it's great to hear that you'll be back in August. Enjoy your well-earned break with Ralph and Cooper, and of course your birthday rally on the 30th of this month". Another follower wrote: "Thank you for all your fantastic shows and inspirational recipes. Have a lovely summer break and look forward to seeing you in August."

Saturday Morning viewers can rest assured they'll still get their fix as repeats are scheduled to start airing from next Saturday (June 15). The upcoming episode, which first aired in October 2023, features former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz. In the previous week's show, the TV chef welcomed guests Jordan North and William Hanson, who discussed their podcast and newly released book. French culinary delights were presented by TV baker Richard Bertinet, while chef Ashley Palmer-Watts delighted with a Grilled Lobster Mayonnaise.

Later, James was joined by Dipna Anand and her father Gulu Anand, the restaurateur pair known for their expertise in Punjabi cuisine. Tensions rose in the kitchen as the father and daughter team began to prepare Haandi Chicken Masala and Rice, their banter turning into a full-blown squabble.

The segment saw James pass Dipna a bowl of raw chicken to commence the cooking, remarking: "There's your chicken," prompting her to retort: "That the chicken dad's been sulking about." While James managed a laugh and a glance at Gulu, Dipna stayed focused as she placed the chicken into a pot, stating: "I got the butcher to cut the chicken instead of dad."

James couldn't help but interject, commenting on how seeing Gulu expertly chop a chicken "in less than a minute into 27 pieces" was among the most "magical things" he had witnessed on the programme. Alluding to her, she responded: "That was epic," at which Dipna's dad clarified that it was "from the joints".

Coming to her aid, the culinary boffin insisted: "All I said was you're not the only person who knows how to cut a chicken. I told the butcher how to cut it and I think he's done an ok job." As their verbal sparring persisted, James took aback, glanced at the camera in amazement before withdrawing to join chefs Richard Bertinet and Ashley Palmer-Watts sat aside. In jest, James queried: "You alright gents, you alright lads," while he chortled and had a sip of his drink. Dipna then rerouted the conversation back to her cooking guidance affirming: "Anyway, you can use chicken on the bone. That's traditional." For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.