TV Chef James Martin shares cancer diagnosis

TV chef James Martin has been a fixture on our TV screens since he starred on Saturday Kitchen Live in 2006.

Now, it has been revealed that James is undergoing 'regular treatment' for cancer - a health condition he has recently opened up about due to an audio leak from a 2018 production.

ITV

The TV chef underwent surgery for cancer on his face in 2018, but has said that it has returned several times.

This came after reports emerged of 'bullying' and 'intimidating' behaviour on the set of his ITV show, James Martin's Spanish Adventure.

Audio released from filming in 2018 appeared to show him launching in a foul mouthed tirade against staff due to a 'blocked drain at his home'.

Reflecting on the incident, in which he swore 42 times, Martin said it was 'one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life'.

The TV chef added: "I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn't do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming.

"Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments."

Martin previously presented the BBC food show Saturday Kitchen from 2006, until his departure in 2016.

Since then, he has been on ITV presenting Saturday Morning with James Martin.

He also featured on shows such as James Martin's French Adventure and James Martin's American Adventure.

Martin says that he has expressed his remorse to his crew for the 2018 incident.

ITV

He explained: "I have always strived to keep my private life private. However since details of a conversation, which was secretly recorded in January 2018, are now five years later being made public by a former member of our production team, I have decided to make a statement.

"The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life.

"I was dealing with the death of my last living grandparent, my grandfather, and on account of work commitments I could not attend his funeral.

"Later that month, I was burgled at night by a team of masked men, who entered my house while my partner Louise was at home alone and I was away working.

"I was devastated that she had to go through that alone."

When approached for comment, Martin's production company, Blue Marlin Television, accepted responsibility for the incident.

In a statement to LADBible, they said: "An unfortunate incident occurred after filming James Martin's Saturday Morning in 2018 where James' home was badly damaged. Blue Marlin Television accepted responsibility.

"James was shocked by what had happened and on reflection acknowledges he responded emotionally, which he wholly regrets. James apologises for any offence or upset caused, as he did at the time to the crew involved.

"Following this and some issues filming James Martin’s Spanish Adventures, James and Blue Marlin Television agree that lessons have been learned which have been discussed with members of the team and with ITV.

"Blue Marlin Television and James Martin have taken on board ITV's recommendations and their sharing of best practice, and are in the process of fully implementing.

"Since the 2018 incident, Blue Marlin Television has continued to film over 500 shows at James’ home.

"Blue Marlin Television remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all those with whom they work is of the utmost priority."

For advice, support and information regarding cancer, visit Macmillan Cancer Support's website here or call 0808 808 00 00.