James Martin shares health update as ITV chef reflects on ‘debilitating’ cancer diagnosis
TV chef James Martin has shared a positive health update following a six-year battle with facial skin cancer.
The 52-year-old, who was first diagnosed in 2018, has revealed he now feels “as fit as a fiddle” after enduring multiple surgeries.
Martin’s recovery has sparked a change in perspective, leading to new business ventures including a pub in the Cotswolds.
The Saturday Morning presenter had previously described his cancer journey as “one of the most fraught and difficult periods” of his life.
His improved health has allowed him to look forward with renewed ambition rather than dwelling on darker thoughts.
Martin’s cancer diagnosis in 2018 led to multiple surgeries as the disease “returned on several occasions”, requiring further treatments.
The chef revealed the cancer often left him in “debilitating pain” during what he described as “one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life”.
During this challenging time, he missed his grandfather’s funeral, which left him traumatised.
His home was also burgled during this period, adding to his distress.
The situation became so grave that Martin admitted the cancer diagnosis even led him to plan his own funeral.
Now, more than six years later, Martin has shared a positive update on his health.
In a conversation with Candis magazine, he expressed: “This is the first time in six years that I feel as fit as a fiddle.”
His recovery appears to have transformed his outlook on life.
Rather than focusing on thoughts of his funeral, he’s now embracing a more relaxed approach.
The chef has also been open about other health improvements, including a significant three-stone weight loss.
His newfound wellbeing has enabled him to pursue fresh ambitions and business opportunities.
Martin has channelled his renewed energy into opening the Lygon Arms pub in the Cotswolds.
The chef is also looking ahead with ambitious plans for the future.
“I’ve got this dream. I’d have my own place called Eight which would be open eight days a month serving an eight-course menu to 18 people,” he shared.
This concept forms part of his 10-year vision for the future.
Martin also revealed the surprising motivation behind his weight loss was his passion for racing cars.
“It comes down to the fact that I race cars, or I still try and race a few cars and I actually struggle to get out of them now,” he explained on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast.
The chef’s diet secrets might surprise fans, as he credited fish and butter as key ingredients in his weight loss journey.