express.co.uk
26.02.2022 / 10:39
60%
611
'Just drop it' James Martin admits he turned down £180,000 gift from Hollywood ex
James Martin, 49, is known for hosting his ITV show Saturday Kitchen every weekend. However, fans may not know about the star’s previous relationship with Hollywood producer Barbara Broccoli.The chef dated the James Bond producer after meeting her in 2001.They first met when Martin was auctioned off to cook her a meal at a charity fundraiser.After making a meal for her and her friends, the pair hit it off and organised to see each other again.The pair dated for four and a half years, which Martin called “surreal” and “exciting”.In an unearthed piece, Martin opened up about some of the extravagant gifts she gave him during their relationship.Writing for the Daily Mail back in 2008, he explained she’d gifted him three Picasso paintings.As well as this, she’d offered to buy him a “state-of-the-art Aston Martin DBS, chassis number 007, costing an eye-watering £180,000.”While Martin explained they had a great relationship, he admitted he turned down the pricey gift.He recalled how when they’d been at the dealership, Barbara had begun to buy him the car when he asked her not to.Martin explained: “I told her not to be so ridiculous but she was already saying: 'Yes, we'll have it black, with black interior, and we'll have the chassis number 007.'“I continued to say: 'No, we won't.' Barbara replied: 'Why not? If you want it we'll get it.'“I tried to explain to her that you can't just give someone a £180,000 car as a gift.