James Martin’s Saturday Morning, which airs at 9.30 am on ITV1, is not just a cooking show; it reflects the chef’s deep connection to his roots and the challenges faced by his guests. Martin records the show from his seven-bedroom property in Hampshire, which occupies 1.5 acres of land and features an outdoor kitchen equipped with a premium wood-fired pizza oven and a large central island.

At 53 years old, James Martin has established a successful career in the culinary world, having grown up on a 100-acre farm on the Castle Howard estate in Yorkshire. His fondness for Yorkshire is evident, as he has expressed, “I’ll get lynched if I don’t end up in Yorkshire. I love Yorkshire.” This affection for his home region significantly shapes his cooking philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding where food comes from.

Regularly appearing on the show is Merlin Griffiths, who provides bartending advice and recipes. At 51 years old, Griffiths has recently emerged from an 18-month battle with stage three bowel cancer, having received the all-clear in 2023. His journey through treatment was challenging; he shared, “Honestly I wasn’t driving throughout loads of that treatment. It was down to Lucille to take me into hospital every day.” Griffiths has been in a relationship with Lucille for ten years, and they have a daughter named Alix.

Griffiths’s experience with cancer has profoundly impacted his outlook on life. He remarked, “My life will never quite be the same, and anyone that has gone through bowel cancer and the horrific treatment that it involves will understand.” His resilience and determination to share his story resonate with viewers, adding a layer of depth to the culinary discussions on the show.

James Martin’s logistical challenges in moving back to Yorkshire due to the geographical distribution of his projects have not hindered his ability to create a routine with his current setup in Hampshire. He continues to inspire audiences with his culinary skills while also emphasizing the importance of respecting those who produce food. He stated, “It’s an amazing lesson in life to learn at that age: to respect the people who produce food, that it’s not just a given – people have to grow it, make it, produce it.”

The combination of Martin’s culinary expertise and Griffiths’s inspiring recovery story creates a compelling narrative on Saturday Morning. As the show continues to air, viewers can expect more engaging content that highlights both cooking and personal journeys.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding future plans for the show and any potential changes in its format, but the current blend of cooking and personal storytelling has already made a significant impact on its audience.

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The Great British Food Awards are known for celebrating regional traditions, ingredients, and the diversity of the UK’s food and drink scene. This year, Merlin Griffiths, a prominent figure in the culinary world, will serve as a judge for the prestigious awards.

Entries for the Great British Food Awards will close on May 22, 2026, with winners in over 60 categories to be announced on October 30, 2026. The competition is open to food and drink businesses from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, highlighting the rich culinary landscape across the UK.

Griffiths joins a panel of esteemed judges, including renowned chefs such as Raymond Blanc OBE, Adam Handling, Jack Stein, and James Martin. The awards are recognized as prestigious accolades in the UK, with previous winners including Firefly BBQ and Marshfield Farm Ice Cream.

James Martin, who recently appeared alongside Griffiths on his Saturday Morning cooking show, made an appeal during the show for viewers to support British produce. He stated, “I’m not going to upset the people of New Zealand… but please, please as a nation can we just buy stuff from this country.”

Martin emphasized the importance of seasonal produce, saying, “It’s one of the true, true delights and one of the most amazing produce we have in this country and when it’s in season like this, just buy it.” This sentiment aligns with the ethos of the Great British Food Awards, which aims to promote local ingredients and craftsmanship.

According to Jenny O’Neill, a spokesperson for the awards, “Each year, the Great British Food Awards celebrate the remarkable talent, craftsmanship and innovation found across the UK’s food and drink sector.” This year’s competition is expected to attract a wide array of entries, showcasing the best of British culinary talent.

Gaining a Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Grand Champion badge is a symbol of exceptional quality and deliciousness, making the awards a significant milestone for any food and drink business. Regional winners and the Grand Champion will be honored at a special ceremony in November 2026.

As the submission deadline approaches, excitement builds within the culinary community. Observers anticipate a competitive field as businesses vie for recognition in this esteemed event.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific number of entries expected this year, but the enthusiasm surrounding the awards suggests a robust participation from across the UK.

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