Celebrity chef James Martin has reportedly proposed to his girlfriend, personal trainer Kim Johnson, marking a dramatic reversal of his long-held stance against marriage.
A Surprising Proposal
The Saturday Kitchen star, who is 53, is said to have popped the question to his 39-year-old partner. This engagement represents a significant U-turn for the TV personality, who had previously stated that marriage did not interest him "in the slightest".
The couple made their relationship official in March 2024, meaning the engagement comes almost two years after they began dating. Insiders describe the pair as being "happier than ever" and suggest that for James, "when you know, you know".
Friends Notice a Changed Man
An insider speaking to The Sun acknowledged the surprise among the chef's circle. "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," the source said. "But everyone has seen the change in him since meeting Kim and he’s never been happier. They are a wonderful couple."
This change has been particularly noted in contrast to his previous 12-year relationship with Louise Davies, which ended in December 2023. Sources indicated that seeing Kim receive an engagement ring might be difficult for his ex-partner.
Past Relationships and Personal Confessions
Before dating Kim Johnson, James Martin was in a long-term relationship with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. Kim, meanwhile, was previously married to Elizabeth Hurley’s ex-husband, Arun Nayar; their marriage ended in 2017.
James recently offered a glimpse into his life with Kim on the Good Housekeeping podcast, where he admitted his girlfriend finds him a "nightmare to be around" due to his obsessive, detail-oriented nature—a trait he credits for his culinary success. He humorously added that his recent refractive lens eye surgery has only heightened this, joking, "It's scary, I can see around corners now."
Despite his past declarations and fiercely private nature, it appears James Martin has found a love compelling enough to make him reconsider everything, with wedding bells now firmly in his future.
