25 October 2023 , 19:43
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James Martin emotionally confirmed that his Saturday morning TV show has been renewed by ITV despite accusations of behind-the-scenes bullying - while also explaining he is continuing to battle ill health following his shock cancer diagnosis.
The 51-year-old has been on the road with his James Martin Live tour - taking in dates in UK cities including Swansea, Sheffield and Liverpool. On Monday night, he took to the stage in Birmingham where he opened up about his future at ITV - and also hinted at his health battles.
James made headlines earlier this year when a recording of him shouting expletives at production crew for his weekend cookery show, James Martin's Saturday Morning, was leaked. The recording, reportedly made in 2018, revealed James to be screaming abuse and swearing at his team over a blocked drain - however the star himself addressed the allegations, hinting he had taken responsibility and saying "lessons have been learned".
Then in July this year, fans were troubled when James announced he had been battling cancer at the time of his outburst. Addressing his audience at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Monday night, the TV star made an emotional statement to his fans.
James Martin has given an update on the future of his ITV Saturday Morning show (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
James shared an impressive snap from inside Birmingham Symphony Hall (Instagram)He thanked them for their continued support and hinted at his illness - while also explaining that his Saturday Morning would be continuing. James announced: "I want to thank everyone for their support. It's been a difficult time and I've not been well.”
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He added: "But I wanted to let you know about the future of my Saturday show as ITV have just made a decision yesterday. So, ITV has decided to renew the Saturday show for another year. We've just found out."
He later took to Instagram to share a photo from his gig - showing a packed out venue filled with adoring fans. He wrote in a caption: “Birmingham Symphony Hall last night…always special thank you!”
Fans were quick to respond to his post and congratulate him on providing a captivating evening of entertainment. One follower wrote: “Fabulous so glad that you are able to get out and about and put plenty smiles on people’s faces with your entertaining shows.”
Birmingham Live reported that “Huge applause and cheers rang out” when James announced that his ITV show would be continuing. They went on to report that he thanked his fans in the venue for “acknowledge many words of thanks and kindness he had received”.
Perhaps in a nod to the fact that his outburst that threatened his career had been recorded by his crew, the publication also reported that he also reflect that “life was easier in the 1970s and '80s” before the advent of mobile phones and everyone was "constantly on social media".