James Martin: The Shocking 2025 Updates On His £5M Empire, New Partner, And On-Set Controversy

The world of celebrity chef James Martin is undergoing a significant transformation in late 2024 and heading into 2025, marked by a major shake-up in his personal life and a massive new career commitment. As of today, December 12, 2025, the star of ITV’s *Saturday Morning with James Martin* is preparing for his biggest-ever live tour while navigating the public eye following his highly-publicised split from his long-term partner, TV producer Louise Davies. This article dives into the latest updates, his booming £5 million empire, and the controversies that have kept him in the headlines. The popular Yorkshire-born chef, known for his comforting recipes and passion for classic cars, continues to dominate the television food landscape, securing a TV Choice Award for Best Food Show in 2024. His brand is stronger than ever, but recent events have pulled back the curtain on the intense pressure and high stakes of running a multi-million-pound culinary business.

Chef James Martin: The Complete Biography and Profile

James Martin is one of Britain’s most recognisable and successful chefs, building a career on his approachable cooking style and charismatic television presence. His journey from a young chef trained in classic French cuisine to a national television icon is a testament to his dedication to the craft.

• Full Name: James Martin
• Date of Birth: June 30, 1972
• Age (as of 2025): 53
• Birthplace: Malton, North Yorkshire, England
• Early Life: James grew up on a farm and was involved in catering from a young age, with his father being the catering manager at Castle Howard.
• Education: Trained at the prestigious Hostellerie Baie des Anges in the south of France.
• Long-Term Partner (Split): Louise Davies (TV Producer, relationship from 2011 to 2024).
• Current Relationship Status: Reportedly seen with personal trainer Kim Johnson following the split.
• Children: None. Martin has often spoken about his decision not to have children due to his demanding career.
• Known For: *Saturday Kitchen* (2006–2016), *Saturday Morning with James Martin* (2017–Present), *Home Comforts*.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately £5 million / $5 million.
• Key Businesses: Restaurants at The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds and a cookery school at sea with P&O Cruises.

The 2025 Career Boom: Live Tour, New Season, and £5M Net Worth

Despite the personal changes, James Martin’s professional engine is running at full throttle. The year 2025 marks a new peak in his career, driven by his successful television show and an ambitious live performance schedule.

The Massive ‘James Martin Live 2025’ Tour

Following four consecutive sell-out tours, the chef is embarking on his biggest theatrical venture yet: the James Martin Live 2025 tour.

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This fifth tour is set to visit over 20 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales, proving his enduring appeal as a live entertainer.

Fans attending the shows can expect a high-energy mix of new recipes, entertaining anecdotes, and demonstrations of the tips and tricks needed to create a sensational dining experience.

The tour is also set to feature a series of very special celebrity guests, with details being announced closer to the dates, adding an extra layer of excitement for ticket holders.

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Saturday Morning’s 2025 Return and Award Success

The flagship series, *Saturday Morning with James Martin*, is confirmed to return for its 2025 season, continuing its run as one of the most popular weekend food shows on television.

The show’s success was recently cemented with a major industry win, as the programme secured the prestigious TV Choice Award for Best Food Show in 2024.

The format remains a winning one: James welcomes a mix of celebrity guests and fellow chefs, serving up mouth-watering comfort food recipes, from brunches and easy one-pot meals to decadent desserts.

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The £5 Million Empire: Cars, Cookbooks, and Cuisine

Martin’s net worth is widely reported to be around £5 million, a figure built on his television contracts, restaurant ventures, and extensive catalogue of best-selling cookbooks.

He is known for his dedication to classic, comforting cuisine, with signature dishes often including his famous Welsh rarebit with bacon and chutney, and his luxurious sticky toffee pudding.

A significant part of his personal wealth is tied up in his passion for automobiles. His enviable car collection is estimated to be worth millions, featuring iconic machines like a Chevrolet Courvette, a Lotus, a rare Ferrari 288 GTO, a 1963 Fiat Abarth, and several original Mini Cooper rally cars.

The Hidden Side: Relationship Split and On-Set ‘Bullying’ Claims

While his professional life thrives, Martin’s personal and behind-the-scenes conduct has generated significant headlines, addressing the curiosity fans have about the man behind the apron.

The Split from Louise Davies

The biggest recent personal news is the end of his 12-year relationship with his long-term partner, TV producer Louise Davies.

The couple, who met on the set of *Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire* in 2011, reportedly ended their relationship in late 2024, a decision that was kept private for some time.

Following the split, James Martin has been photographed with personal trainer Kim Johnson, marking a new chapter in his private life.

Martin has previously spoken candidly about his decision not to marry or have children, citing the high demands of his career and the fear of being an absent father. This context adds depth to the recent end of his long-term partnership.

Addressing the ‘Intimidating Behaviour’ Controversy

In 2023, the chef faced allegations of "intimidating behaviour" and "bullying" towards his crew on more than one occasion.

The controversy stemmed from an alleged incident following a technical issue on the set of one of his shows.

In response, James Martin issued a public apology, stating that the behaviour was a result of the immense pressure and stress he was under at the time, which included a personal health battle.

He acknowledged his actions were unacceptable and apologised to the team, a move that was accepted by ITV, allowing his flagship *Saturday Morning* show to continue. This transparency provided a rare glimpse into the high-pressure environment of television production.

Topical Authority: The James Martin Culinary and Media Legacy

James Martin’s influence extends beyond his TV kitchen. He has successfully created a brand synonymous with quality, hearty British food, and a genuine love for classic motorsports.

His published works are a cornerstone of his legacy, with titles like *James Martin’s Saturday Morning Cookbook* and *James Martin: The Collection* becoming staples in many home kitchens.

The chef has been a key figure in British food television for decades, with his earlier work on *Saturday Kitchen* establishing him as a household name before he moved to ITV to launch his own successful format. His commitment to teaching home cooks practical, delicious recipes has ensured his longevity in a competitive industry.

As James Martin heads into 2025, his focus is clearly on his live performance and television commitments. The combination of a thriving career, a recent personal life overhaul, and an open acknowledgment of past on-set pressures ensures that the celebrity chef will remain one of the most talked-about figures in British media.