James Martin on Saturday Morning in a very bright blue jumper
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James Martin’s regret over opening up on past relationship: ‘It was a big mistake’

The TV chef has learned the hard way

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James Martin regrets speaking publicly about his romance with Hollywood icon Barbara Broccoli.

The telly chef, 52, dated the Bond producer for almost five years and it was a lavish and thrilling time.

James had met the American multi-millionaire when his cooking skills were ‘auctioned off’ for charity. And as their romance blossomed, she showered him with expensive cars and artwork.

James Martin regrets talking about Barbara Broccoli
James Martin regrets talking about his relationship with ex Barbara Broccoli publicly (Credit: ITV)

James Martin on dating Barbara Broccoli

Saturday Morning host James made no secret of their relationship and spoke openly about Barbara following their split. But he later lived to regret this decision.

Writing in his autobiography Driven, which was previously serialised in the Mail On Sunday, James admitted: “It was a big mistake. I stupidly didn’t listen to people, but I won’t be doing that again. I know now that you don’t sell your story. My industry is based on what I do, not who I am.”

James first met Barbara, now 63 and 12 years his senior, in 2001. Daughter of Bond producer ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, she bid £18,000 at an auction for him to cook for her.

James was 29 at the time and visited her home in London’s Chelsea to cater for a dinner party as a result. The pair got on well, with the chef later writing for the Mail Online: “The evening was hilarious – and we just clicked.”

James Martin regrets talking publicly about Barbara Broccoli
Barbara is worth an estimated £400 million (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Read more: James Martin’s Saturday Morning: Chef’s bone-breaking fight before finding fame

But although their romance was not a quick fling, their lives were just too different. James and Barbara eventually called it quits in 2006.

Two years later, in arguably one of the interviews James went on to regret, he said he would often feel starstruck while out with Barbara.

His life changed as he’d find himself in the presence of Hollywood A-listers, including Bond Girl Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman, which unnerved him.

James also confessed that Barbara, who has an estimated net worth of $400 million, had showered him with incredible gifts – including an £180,000 Aston Martin and three genuine Picassos.

Speaking about their romance after their split, James said they went their separate ways due to an “imbalance” in the relationship.

“The age difference never appeared to be a problem. I’ve always liked independent women: we both had strong opinions and plenty to say for ourselves, so life was never boring. To walk away from someone you love and who loves you that much is hard.

“Maybe it was the daftest thing I have done in my life but it was probably the most sensible, too. In the end I think it was for the best, not just for Barbara and me but also for her children.”

barbara broccoli with daniel craig
Barbara, pictured with James Bond star Daniel Craig, mixes in A-list circles (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Who is James Martin dating now?

Staying true to his word, James now remains tight-lipped about his personal life.

The star began dating TV producer Louise Davies several years after his break-up with Barbara.

After meeting Louise on the set of Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? the pair enjoyed more than a decade together. However, they split last year. He is now dating personal trainer Kim Johnson. However, don’t expect to see them on a red carpet any time soon!

James Martin, Louise Davies
James was in a long-term relationship with TV producer Louise Davies (Credit: Splashnews.com)

James previously told Manchester Gossip: “I can’t stand this celebrity chef status thing. In fact, I hate it.

“I mean, do you ever see me at a red carpet event?”

James Martin’s Saturday Morning, 9.30am, ITV1, Saturdays.

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Natasha Rigler
Freelance Writer