James Martin has quit 'Saturday Kitchen'.
James Martin
The 43-year-old TV chef has decided to turn his back on the BBC One weekend programme following a decade fronting the tummy-gurgling show in order to work on new projects.
He 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 have given me. It has been an amazing journey and I have been privileged to work with some of the world's greatest chefs and some of the greatest names in showbiz. I wish the new chefs every success."
The presenter will hang up his apron and oven gloves in March but will continue on screen until April when new guest hosts will step in to provide the nation with delicious recipes.
And, although he's sad to see the back of the cookery show, James is looking forward to having a lie-in on Saturdays.
He said: "I am looking forward to getting stuck into my new projects and to lots of lie-ins on a Saturday morning."
However, the chef won't be turning away from the kitchen completely as he'll still front 'Saturday Kitchen Best Bites', which airs on BBC Two, on Sunday mornings.
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