‘Wanted a different challenge’ James Martin admits reason behind Saturday Kitchen exit

express.co.uk:

Saturday Kitchen. In a recent interview, James Martin, 49, said he left the well-loved show because he was looking for a new challenge.The 49-year-old also revealed that he wasn’t aware of how big an impact he had on the show until after he had left.On a podcast, which promotes travel to Yorkshire, the top TV chef divulged his reasons for leaving the BBC show.He also spoke about his passion for food and enjoyment when cooking, and also his dedication to supporting other chefs in the industry.James has been appearing on our television screens since 1996 when he was a chef on Ready Steady Cook.When James decided to leave Saturday Kitchen after 10 years, he confided in radio DJ Chris Evans before he made an official announcement.James said that Chris “spat his drink out” in surprise when he told him his plans.Fans were shocked too when James announced his departure from the show, leaving in 2016.After exiting Saturday Kitchen five years ago, James has now expressed that he wasn’t as aware of his “voice” as much as he is now.James has been on TV for more than just his cooking, as he took part in a hit BBC dance show in 2006.The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant said: “I didn’t [leave Saturday Kitchen] for any other reason.“I just wanted a different challenge and bits and pieces,” he told listeners.He didn’t realise, until after he had left, how much influence he had as a TV chef.James added: “But even if I say to somebody, go to this restaurant, I really mean it.“In terms of a chef, called Gareth Ward, he told me the other day, he said, ‘[I’m] coming on your show’.“He did a great fish menu, all that sort of stuff.“He said, ‘Coming on your show [Saturday Morning with James Martin], I filled my restaurant for three.