One of York’s top chefs has thrown his support behind James Martin following claims he bullied staff on his TV show.
Mr Martin, who grew up near Malton, agreed that “lessons have been learned” and apologised “for any offence or upset caused” after he responded “emotionally” to an incident during filming of ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning in 2018.
The 51-year-old presenter also revealed he underwent surgery for facial cancer in 2018 and has since had regular treatment as it has “returned on several occasions”.
On X, formerly Twitter, he said: “The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life,” adding that he had been dealing with his grandfather’s death and a home burglary.
“I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn’t do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming,” he added.
“Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments.”
The TV chef had addressed the Saturday Morning incident in a joint statement with production company Blue Marlin, which explained that his home had been “badly damaged” during the filming of the show in 2018.
It said Blue Marlin accepted responsibility but Martin was “shocked by what had happened and on reflection acknowledges he responded emotionally, which he wholly regrets”.
The statement continued: “James apologises for any offence or upset caused, as he did at the time to the crew involved.
“Following this and some issues filming James Martin’s Spanish Adventures, James and Blue Marlin Television agree that lessons have been learned which have been discussed with members of the team and with ITV.”
‘Lovely and welcoming’
Now chef Tommy Banks, who runs Roots York on Marygate among other restaurants, has thrown his support behind the star.
On X, he said: “I have to say that filming with @jamesmartinchef on his Saturday morning show is an absolute pleasure.
“James and the whole team are all lovely and welcoming. It is without any doubt my favourite show to film and I look forward to it each and every time.”
He added: “Looking forward to my next visit. Sending big love to @jamesmartinchef and the whole team.”
Originally from Welburn, Mr Martin’s father ran the catering side on the Castle Howard estate. James attended Malton School and at 16, he went to Scarborough Technical College to begin his formal chef’s training.
He went on to learn his trade in France and began his television career in 1996 on programmes including James Martin: Yorkshire’s Finest.
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]