Celebrity chef James Martin delivered a heartfelt tribute to British farmers during the latest episode of his ITV programme, James Martin's Saturday Morning, while making a candid confession about the harsh realities of the dairy sector.
A Candid Conversation on Farming Realities
Broadcasting on Saturday, 15th November 2025, the show featured an interview with Cotswolds farmer Simon Weaver from Simon Weaver Cotswolds Organic Dairy in Upper Slaughter. The farmer supplied ingredients for James's Apple and Honey Jalousie, which led to a deeper discussion about the state of British farming.
James Martin did not hold back, admitting he knew people who had been forced to discard unsold milk, with the precious liquid literally 'going in the drain'. He addressed Simon Weaver directly, stating, "I hugely appreciate everything farmers do around this country, but the milk industry, I mean, it's brutal for you."
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Industry Struggles
In response, farmer Simon Weaver offered a cautiously optimistic update, revealing that the most challenging period was 'a little while ago' and that the market is currently 'quite good' with better prices. He explained the volatile nature of the industry, saying, "The market goes up and down and you can have a little bit too much milk in the market and there's no room for your milk."
However, he delivered a sobering follow-up, confirming that many dairy farmers have left the industry due to the dire circumstances. "It's getting fewer and fewer of us left standing," Weaver noted, adding that milk is becoming less plentiful as more people are squeezed out.
Other Highlights from Saturday Morning
The episode also featured former A Place in the Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas and her brother Stuart Douglas, hosts of Channel 4's Can Sell, Must Sell. The siblings shared amusing anecdotes about working together, including a disagreement over a chair with stiletto heels that involved their mother.
Scarlette also revealed how Ant and Dec were instrumental in her big break, offering guidance that helped secure her role on A Place in the Sun. She is now targeting American television, frequently travelling between the US and UK to pitch property shows.
On the culinary front, chefs Tommy Banks and Kenny Atkinson prepared tantalising meals, while James Martin demonstrated how to make a classic French Raspberry Mille-Feuille and a Spanish cake with cherries dipped in caramel.
James Martin's Saturday Morning airs on ITV on Saturdays at 9.30am.
