Chef James Martin gets out of Saturday Kitchen

The Malton-born restaurateur chef and car enthusiast, who has presented the programme since 2006, will host his final show at the end of March, before guest presenters take over from April.

Martin said: “I would like to personally thank all the viewers for turning Saturday Kitchen into a three million-plus smash hit. I could not have done it without them. I would also like to thank the BBC and Saturday Kitchen for the great opportunity they gave me.

“I am looking forward to getting stuck into my new projects and to lots of lie-ins on a Saturday morning.”

The live cookery show has become a hit with viewers since its inception in 2002, fronted by a then relatively unknown Gregg Wallace, followed by Antony Worrall Thompson.

Martin is now embarking on a new stage show, which he is touring across the UK.

His Plates, Mates and Automobiles tour includes dates at Bridlington’s Spa Royal Hall, St George’s Hall in Bradford, Sheffield City Hall and two shows at the Barbican in York, this week and next.