James Martin sparks concern as he confirms TV return after cancer diagnosis

20 November 2023 , 11:52

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James Martin leaves fans worried after sudden return to work despite announcing time off

James Martin has raised eyebrows among his fans after revealing he's back at work just weeks after announcing he would take a break due to his cancer diagnosis.

The TV chef, best known for starring on Saturday Morning, confirmed on Friday that he'd returned to his day job despite hinting last month he'd be away from the spotlight until February. In the enthusiastic Instagram post, James said that he'd just completed a "full day of filming" for his ITV culinary series before heading to the local pub for a drink.

It didn't take long for the 51-year-old's fans to react to the update, with many expressing concern for his wellbeing after a difficult few years. Last month, James revealed he would be taking a hiatus from his busy career to focus on his health following his cancer diagnosis in 2018.

James Martin's fans have been left concerned by his return to filming (Instagram)

The TV star will be back on our screens soon (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

""I thought you were meant to be taking it easy, James sending love," one person wrote, while another asked: "Thought you are ill James and taking time off?" A third echoed: "Aren't you meant to be taking it easy and sorting your health out Mr Martin?" A fourth urged James to rest and recover, writing, "Get yourself better, we will still be here once you’re fighting fit."

At the start of this month, James told an audience at one of his live shows in Liverpool that it was time to 'take a break' and concentrate on his health. Speaking to the audience of the Philharmonic Hall, he expressed gratitude for his fans' support before announcing he'd be off work until spring.

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"On a personal note, I just wanted to say thank you for 30 years of television," he said. "For me personally, I've been through a lot of s*** with cancer but I'm getting sorted at the end of next month. I will be back fighting at the end of February but I'm going on a little bit of a break to get that sorted." James, who is currently touring with The James Martin Band, added: "I just wanted to say thank you for all your support and all your messages."

James confirmed in June that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer several years prior after being warned about his behaviour of the set of Saturday Morning. A leaked recording of the celebrity chef raging over a broken pipe at his house reportedly led to tears amongst crew and allegations of bullying.

"After all this stress I was in a very emotional state, and when after filming in early January 2018 I discovered my home had been flooded while filming, I was extremely upset," he wrote, adding that he had apologised to those affect and that "lessons have been learned."

Emma Dooney