Emotional James Martin halts ITV show and pleads with guest 'what are you doing'

James Martin has been hit with an emotional surprise as he celebrates a huge milestone. The ITV James Martin's Saturday Morning star was back on the show for a pre Christmas special edition of the programme in the wake of his exit from BBC Saturday Kitchen for ITV.

James marked his 300th episode on Saturday, December 21, with the likes of former ITV This Morning star Fern Britton and BBC EastEnders legend Adam Woodyatt, who lives in nearby Warwickshire, as his guests from 9.30am today.

Introducing the show, James started off by saying: “Good morning and welcome to our 300th, yes 300th episode of James Martin’s Saturday Morning here on ITV1.” He explained: “300 we got there and what a show we’ve got lined up for you today. I’ll be serving a classic steak recipe and a dish of Cumberland sausages for a great friend of mine.”

READ MORE UK faces 7cm snow on Saturday and Sunday with six counties in England pummelled

As he spoke, Fern surprised the star with custom cupcakes that had his face on them. As the TV presenter walked onto set with the sweet treat, James was emotional as he said: “What are you doing? I knew this was a set up because I could see everyone whispering.”

Fern told him: “Congratulations on 300 shows.” James said: “Thank you very much.” As the pair hugged, Fern - who used to host ITV This Morning with Phillip Schofield - asked the TV chef, who is an ITV regular: “How old are you now, 45 and a half?”

James laughed: “Umm yeah something like that.” Fern giggled and told the chef: “I was being kind.” James told viewers: “On behalf of the entire crew and the crew I just want to say thank you for watching and thank you for 300 shows.”

He added: “When ITV first said ‘Could we have a Saturday morning show?’ I said no, I’ll try 6 but now to still be here and have 300 shows I’m just chuffed to bits and I’m grateful to all the crew as well and also the amazing guests who come on the show.”