James Martin appeared on Loose Women this today, using the opportunity to address his sudden exit from Saturday Kitchen last year.
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The chef was on the show to promote his new series, James Martin’s American Adventure, but talk turned to his dramatic departure.
James revealed that his decision to leave came after he witnessed the sudden death of a man his own age.
He claimed that, while he loved his job, he’d been solidly busy for a long time, going for three years without more than one day off at a time.
Witnessing the man’s death made him reevaluate his priorities.
“Work was fundamental to it,” he said, when asked about his decision. “I hadn’t had a day off for several years – two days off together for nearly three years.
“And I was doing a gig abroad, and I was chatting to a gentleman, same age as me, same work ethic, you know, really keen on work.
“And he went out on stage literally five minutes after I spoke to him, to do an awards ceremony, and he died before he hit the floor.
“I got back on the plane and thought ‘now I’m going to readdress the balance.'”
James claimed that his life was in a much better place, and that he’s allowed himself to step back from some commitments – commenting that people are surprised to see him when he shows up at his restaurant now.
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James Martin’s American Adventure sees him drive across the United States sampling the best food they have to offer.
Speaking to the Radio Times, he claimed he wanted to dispel some mistaken ideas about American food.
“I wanted to dispel the myth that America is just hot dogs, pretzels and burgers,” he said.
“It has some of the greatest food and best restaurants in the world and its culinary scene has had the same sort of rapid growth as the UK’s. It’s gone crazy.”
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