ITV chef and presenter James Martin has been flooded with messages of congratulations from fans following reports that he is now engaged to his girlfriend, personal trainer Kim Johnson.
Viewers Share Congratulations Amid Engagement Reports
The 53-year-old star of James Martin's Saturday Morning is understood to have proposed to Johnson, who is 39. The news broke as the chef hosted a pre-recorded festive special of his popular ITV show, James Martin's Saturday Morning at Christmas, from his home kitchen in Hampshire on Saturday.
During the broadcast, which featured guests including cycling legend Mark Cavendish and chefs Lesley Waters and Ashley Palmer-Watts, viewers quickly took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their well-wishes. One supporter wrote, "@jamesmartinchef Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage. Good things come to those who wait," while another added, "@jamesmartinchef many congratulations on your engagement."
A New Chapter After a Long-Term Relationship
The reported proposal comes after nearly two years of dating. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in March 2024. Insiders suggest the pair are "happier than ever," with one source telling The Sun, "when you know, you know."
The source elaborated on the chef's change of heart regarding marriage, stating, "Of course it’s taken James decades to finally get there and friends do share a wry smile that he’s U-turned on his staunch refusal to ever marry. But everyone has seen the change in him since meeting Kim and he’s never been happier. They are a wonderful couple."
Moving On From Past Relationships
Martin's romance with Johnson blossomed after his split from his long-term partner, TV producer Louise Davies, in December 2023. The pair had been together for 12 years. An insider noted that Martin's transformation since meeting Johnson might be challenging for his ex-partner, saying, "He's a changed man now he's met her. It will be very hard for Louise when Kim gets a huge diamond ring on her finger."
Prior to his relationship with Davies, Martin was linked to Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. Kim Johnson was previously married to Elizabeth Hurley's ex-husband, Arun Nayar, with their marriage ending in 2017.
James Martin's Saturday Morning continues to air on Saturdays on ITV and ITVX.
