The numbers
James Martin records his show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, from his home in Hampshire, where he has established a routine that accommodates his various projects. The show airs at 9.30 am on ITV1, bringing viewers a blend of cooking, lifestyle, and personal anecdotes.
Martin’s Hampshire property spans 1.5 acres and features a seven-bedroom house equipped with an outdoor kitchen, a premium wood-fired pizza oven, and a large central island, reflecting his passion for cooking. The outdoor cooking area allows him to showcase his culinary skills while enjoying the serene surroundings of his home.
Growing up on a 100-acre farm on the Castle Howard estate in Yorkshire, Martin has a deep affection for the region, often referring to it as “God’s County.” He has expressed a desire to return to Yorkshire but faces logistical challenges due to the geographical distribution of his projects. “I’ll get lynched if I don’t end up in Yorkshire. I love Yorkshire,” he stated, highlighting his strong connection to his roots.
Regularly featured on the show is Merlin Griffiths, who offers bartending advice and recipes. Griffiths, who is 51 years old, has been a significant presence on the program, sharing his expertise with viewers. His journey has been particularly inspiring; he was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2021 and fought an 18-month battle before receiving the all-clear in 2023.
Griffiths has been in a relationship with Lucille for ten years, and they have a daughter named Alix. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, “Honestly I wasn’t driving throughout loads of that treatment. It was down to Lucille to take me into hospital every day.” His resilience and support from loved ones have been pivotal during his recovery.
Martin’s cooking philosophy is deeply influenced by his upbringing, where he learned to respect the hard work that goes into food production. He remarked, “It’s an amazing lesson in life to learn at that age: to respect the people who produce food, that it’s not just a given – people have to grow it, make it, produce it.” This perspective resonates throughout his show, where he emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.
As both Martin and Griffiths continue their respective journeys, viewers can expect more engaging content from James Martin’s Saturday Morning. The show not only entertains but also inspires, offering a glimpse into the lives of its hosts and the challenges they overcome. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future developments in their careers, but their commitment to sharing their stories and culinary expertise remains steadfast.
