James Martin to step down as Saturday Kitchen presenter

James Martin said he was looking forward to a lie-in as he announced he will step down as presenter of BBC One's Saturday Kitchen after 10 years at the helm.

James Martin has said he was looking forward to a lie in Picture: Hannah McKay/PA Wire

The chef and car enthusiast, who has presented the programme since 2006, will host his final show at the end of March, before guest presenters take over from April.

Martin said: “I would like to personally thank all the viewers for turning Saturday Kitchen into a three million-plus smash hit. I could not have done it without them.

“I would also like to thank the BBC and Saturday Kitchen for the great opportunity they gave me.

“It has been an amazing journey and I have been privileged to work with some of the world’s greatest chefs and some of the greatest names in showbiz. I wish the new chefs every success.

“I am looking forward to getting stuck into my new projects and to lots of lie-ins on a Saturday morning.”

The live cookery show has become a hit with viewers since its inception in 2002, fronted by a then relatively unknown Gregg Wallace, followed by Antony Worrall Thompson.

Martin has not disappeared from the show entirely and will still be seen on Saturday Kitchen Best Bites on BBC Two on Sunday mornings.

Saturday Kitchen airs every Saturday at 10am on BBC One.

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