James Martins replacement sealed as he takes break after cancer diagnosis

Farmer Jimmy Doherty has been reportedly poached by ITV following revelations that celebrity chef James Martin has plans to step back due to health reasons.

The 48-year-old who usually presents programmes on rival channels BBC and Channel 4 is said to be launching a new cooking show called Jimmy's Taste of Florida. According to The Sun, the five-part series will launch in February 2024 and will see Jimmy explore the culinary side of Florida.

The news comes as Saturday Morning host James is believed to be "taking a break" from TV amid his private cancer battle. The TV chef was secretly diagnosed with facial cancer in 2018 before it returned on "several occasions".

READ MORE: Want more showbiz? Daily Star has just the thing for you!

READ MORE: Want more TV? Daily Star has just the thing for you!

James, 51, previously had an operation in 2018 to remove facial cancer, but unfortunately it has since returned. Speaking candidly to his audience at one of The James Martin Band's live gigs, he told the crowd: "On a personal note, I just wanted to say thank you for 30 years of television.

"For me personally, I've been through a lot of s*** with cancer but I'm getting sorted at the end of next month. I will be back fighting at the end of February but I'm going on a little bit of a break to get that sorted.

"I just wanted to say thank you for all your support and all your messages." He added.

James previously hosted BBC's Saturday Kitchen for ten years until he left the popular show in 2016. By the next year, he jumped to ITV where he has gone on to host Saturday Morning.

In addition to this, he's also filmed a number of food travel shows, which has been labelled the "adventure" series. In the daytime series, James travels across, Britain, America and Spain to explore the various cuisines in the country.

This year July, the This Morning chef opened up on his cancer battle after finding himself at the centre of shock bullying claims.

Earlier this year, leaked audio emerged of him ranting and swearing at staff 42 times. His shocking anger came after a drain was blocked at his home during filming for Saturday Morning.

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