Celebrity chef James Martin has shared a glimpse into his early life, revealing that his “true pride and joy” is now “worth a fortune”.
In an interview with The Times, the Saturday Morning host revealed that his childhood bedroom was decorated with Ferrari, Lamborghini posters and Star Wars Evel Knievel memorabilia, like any other teenager in 1980s England.
However, there is one item from his youth that he still cherishes and that is his BMX bike, which he believes would “be worth a fortune by now”.
Children’s bikes range in price online, with some available for up to £1,000, a huge jump from what they were worth in the 1980s.
Speaking about growing up in Yorkshire, the 52-year-old expressed his eternal pride in his roots, no matter where in the world they are, saying: “I was back there last weekend.
“I’ll be there in a couple of days. No matter where I am in the world, I never think of myself as anything other than a proud Yorkshireman.”
Born in Malton and raised in the small village of Welburn in North Yorkshire, James began his culinary journey by training as a chef in France.
After honing his skills in several fine restaurants, he began his radio career at the age of 24 with James Martin: The Best of Yorkshire.
In addition to his TV career, James also owns a number of restaurants, having first launched The Leeds Kitchen in 2011. However, it is his TV work that has made him a household name.
Alongside ITV’s Saturday Morning, James presented the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and has led a variety of cookery shows including James Martin’s Spanish Adventure. He also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005, finishing fourth.
James Martin’s Saturday Morning returns today (January 18) on ITV at 9.30am. He will be joined at his Hampshire home by singer-songwriter David Gray and chefs Lesley Waters, Daniel Galmish and Corinne Harrison.