James Martin in tears as he bids emotional farewell to Saturday Kitchen
JAMES MARTIN welled up during his final Saturday Kitchen, as he bid an emotional farewell to the early morning cookery show which he’s presented for a decade.
James Martin gets choked up as he gives emotional goodbye to viewers
Overcome with sorrow, the TV chef admitted his goodbye was a “moment I’ve been dreading,” while struggling to hold back the inevitable tears.
“I want to end and say one thing. Thank you for watching, thank you for you the viewer. I can't thank [the BBC] enough. I'm sure the show will be a success without me."
Fans were just as heartbroken at home, with thousands airing their despair on Twitter.
“Saturdays won't be the same any more. Thank you for brilliant cooking and fun to my brother-in-butter,” wrote one saddened viewer, while another followed: “So sad to see James Martin leave Saturday Kitchen this morning! You will be missed greatly.”
James Martin overcome with emotion as he bids farewell to Saturday Kitchen
James was in tears as he thanked viewers for his decade in the kitchen
The programme finished with a touching homage to the 43-year-old, playing out the best bits from his 10 years in the kitchen, featuring a collection of top stars, including Jamie Oliver, Matt Lucas and new Top Gear host Chris Evans.
But perhaps one of the greatest moments from his run came today, when Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry phoned in to complain about her “soggy bottoms”.
James walks away from the programme after a decade
Mary, who celebrated her 81st birthday yesterday, was asked about her baking dilemma, and replied: "James I keep getting soggy bottoms, tell me what am I doing wrong?"
James was left squirming with his hands over his face, while fellow TV chef Brian Turner teased: “You've never been lost for words before; get on with it."
After pulling himself together, James told Mary: “I shall pop round, I know where you live. I shall pop round and we'll have a little masterclass of how to make the perfect sponge; is that OK?"
Mary was clearly chuffed by the proposal, joking: "That is a bit of alright."
Saturday Kitchen will continue with a string of guest hosts, including Masterchef’s Michele Roux Jr. and Greg Wallace.