Two farmers who made a memorable appearance on ITV's popular programme James Martin's Saturday Morning have opened up about their genuine impressions of the celebrity chef. Rob and David Nicholson, who operate the renowned Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire alongside their father Roger and sibling Richard, featured on the show in 2025 and have since shared their candid thoughts on the experience.
A Warm Reception and Culinary Delights
During their on-screen stint, the Nicholson brothers were thoroughly impressed by James Martin's hospitality and culinary skills. The chef prepared them a delicious paella and a succulent skin-on chicken breast with mushrooms, showcasing his expertise in the kitchen. Rob humorously noted that James resembles a "walking advert for the dairy industry," a comment sparked by Dave's observation of the generous amounts of butter the chef used in his dishes.
Praise for a Television Gentleman
Despite the light-hearted remark about butter, both brothers had nothing but high praise for James Martin. Dave emphasised the chef's graciousness, stating, "Wasn't he a gentleman? He gave us so much time to talk about the farm." He further elaborated that James did not rush them off, unlike some other chefs, and instead provided a "cracking advert" for their farm, encouraging viewers to visit.
Rob described the entire visit to James' Hampshire residence as a "10 out of 10 experience," calling it "really memorable" and thoroughly enjoyable. When asked to compare it to their previous television work, Dave likened the task to "picking your favourite out of your children," highlighting the difficulty in choosing between such positive experiences.
Future Hopes and Helicopter Plans
The duo are now hopeful that James Martin might venture north to Yorkshire to visit their farm in person. Rob disclosed that the chef, who originally hails from North Yorkshire, expressed interest in piloting his aircraft to their property. He explained, "What he was on about doing is maybe flying his helicopter up and then flying across and landing in one of our fields."
Rob recounted their conversation, saying, "He said, 'Have you got a field I can land in?' I said, 'Well Princess Anne landed in one so I'm flipping sure you can James'." The brothers are optimistic about a potential visit, where they can show James around the farm and its shop, noting his appreciation for great produce and hoping to sell him some of their offerings.
James Martin's Television Return
James Martin makes his return to television from 9.30am today, February 21, with Saturday Morning on ITV One. This week's episode will feature singer Freya Ridings alongside sports presenter Jill Douglas, with culinary experts Sat Bains, Dipna Anand, and Gulu Anand preparing dishes throughout the programme. James has helmed the beloved ITV show for nearly a decade, having previously hosted Saturday Kitchen on the BBC, cementing his status as a staple of weekend morning television.
The Nicholson brothers' appearance on the show not only provided them with a platform to promote their farming enterprise but also offered a glimpse into the genuine character of James Martin, reinforcing his reputation as a respected and kind-hearted figure in the culinary world.
