Chef James Martin, his new lover and the old flame in his kitchen

As a long-time observer of the ever-changing landscape of showbiz agencies, I must say that the recent departures from YMU, including Jamie Laing, seem to be a trend that is as predictable as the tides. It’s not uncommon for these agencies to see a wave of talent come and go, much like the cast changes in a soap opera.

Keep your friends close, your enemies closer… and your ex-girlfriends the closest of all.

It appears that TV chef James Martin‘s philosophy might be reflected in his actions, as he split from his partner of 12 years, Louise Davies, approximately one year ago.

Currently, he is in a relationship with the high-profile fitness instructor, Kim Johnson, who used to be married to Arun Nayar, a wealthy former spouse of Elizabeth Hurley.

However, Kim has graciously accommodated Martin’s former partner, Louise, in his life on a permanent basis.

Louise continues to function as James’s right-hand person at work, serving roles beyond that of an assistant and sounding board, yet not officially recognized as a TV producer on his ITV show, Saturday Morning With James Martin. In this program, recent guests have been the comedian David Baddiel and singer Alfie Boe.

It’s clear that Louise is present during filming, and the show gets recorded in a custom kitchen studio at his Hampshire residence – a place where the ex-couple once lived together, which may make the situation somewhat uncomfortable.

According to Kim’s friends, it seems undeniable that James views his relationship with Louise as unchangeable, and he acknowledges that Louise holds a significant place in his life.

‘Everyone is being very grown-up,’ says one.

Chef James Martin, his new lover and the old flame in his kitchen

A source close to James tells me: ‘The relationship between James and Louise has evolved.

Initially, it seemed like they were heading towards marriage and parenthood, but those plans ultimately didn’t materialize. Over time, it appears their relationship evolved into a strong friendship instead.

‘It didn’t happen overnight, these things don’t.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I must say that this relationship between the two remains harmonious, a testament to their mutual respect and understanding. It brings me immense joy to see him cherish her presence in his life. She serves as an invaluable sounding board for him, offering guidance and support whenever needed. And there she is, standing by his side throughout every filming session at home, making their bond even more admirable.

The friend adds: ‘He’s very loyal and a lot of his team have been there forever.’ James’s spokesman confirms that he and Louise remain good friends, but did not respond when asked if they are still working together.

In a 2020 conversation with Prima magazine, Martin expressed that the most challenging aspect of his career has been giving up everything for it.

As I observe my friends, they’re all settled down with families, a situation that doesn’t apply to me as I’ve dedicated myself heavily to my career.

The extent of dedication needed and decisions you must make significantly shape the outcome. However, if I had to repeat the situation, I likely would, as it has molded me into who I am today.

Chef James Martin, his new lover and the old flame in his kitchen

‘And why does everybody have to follow the norm anyway?’

Before he started dating Louise, James had been in a four-and-a-half-year romantic relationship with Barbara Broccoli, who is twelve years older than him and is known for producing the James Bond films.

They went their separate ways when James realised there was an ‘imbalance’ in their relationship.

Barbara generously showered the chef with presents, such as a Picasso, and even suggested purchasing an Aston Martin worth £180,000 for him, but he thought it was overly pricey.

Martin had been a regular on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen for ten years. Later in 2017, he moved to ITV and now hosts their Saturday morning program, along with several food-focused travel series.

By July 2023, he mentioned that he had been undergoing treatment for skin cancer on his face since 2018. However, at this point in time, he shared that he is now cancer-free.

Torode to keep his place on MasterChef …at least for now

Good news for MasterChef’s John Torode.

For the time being, he is set to resume his role as the show’s host. It’s been announced that filming for Celebrity MasterChef will take place in January, and it’s rumored that he will lead the production.

It’s still uncertain who will take over from Gregg Wallace, as he has stepped down following accusations of inappropriate behavior.

Reports indicate that there might be a variety of temporary hosts joining Torode, as the production team, Banijay, is hurriedly searching for suitable candidates due to the limited time they have to organize.

This week, Torode is filming the concluding phases of the amateur version of MasterChef, which will air on BBC1 in the spring of 2025.

Chef Anna Haugh has temporarily taken over the role and will join Torode during the finale to reveal the winner of the cooking competition.

It appears the speculation about removing Wallace from the upcoming series is off the mark entirely. Reliable sources confirm that his removal from the pre-recorded episodes would be highly implausible.

Last night, MasterChef: The Professionals finale aired on BBC, a program that was filmed prior to the revelation of Wallace’s conduct issues.

Despite this, they indeed cancelled two special Christmas episodes featuring celebrities. Over the long term, it seems that Torode’s situation might not be very promising.

It has been mentioned that individuals such as Andi Oliver and Grace Dent could take over permanently from Wallace, or Banijay might choose to initiate a brand-new beginning by having two new hosts instead.

My co-star became my in-law, thanks to The Devil

Emily Blunt’s Devil Wears Prada co-star, Stanley Tucci, isn’t just like family to her; they’re actually related by marriage. Emily introduced Stanley to her sister Felicity, a literary agent, and he married her in 2010 after their meeting at Emily’s wedding.

This week at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Blunt spoke fondly about her esteemed brother-in-law, Stanley Tucci, expressing that he truly embodies a cherished dream of hers.

To me, the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” has become more than just a film; it feels like he’s part of my family. Moreover, his culinary skills are exceptional, particularly during Christmas when he prepares delightful feasts.

She expressed: “I absolutely love every aspect of him; and my young nephews and nieces, as well as those from his previous relationship, have brought so much happiness.

I’ve worked on three films alongside Meryl Streep so far, and our first project together served as a starting point. It feels as though we’ve formed a familial bond – one that suggests we’ve created something extraordinary. Our connection runs deep, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, it will last an eternity.

In 2006, “The Devil Wears Prada,” inspired by a former Vogue intern’s account, marked one of Emily Blunt’s significant early acting ventures. She portrayed an assistant working under Miranda Priestly, the character played by Meryl Streep.

This summer, it was revealed that a new installment is being developed, with Meryl Streep reprising her role as Priestly, and Emily (now an executive for a high-end group) serving as Streep’s main antagonist, portrayed by Emma Thompson.

Tucci, in his previous marriage to the late Kate Tucci (she passed away in 2009 following a fight against breast cancer), has three kids. With his current partner, Felicity Blunt, he’s welcomed two more children into their family.

Dylan? It ain’t me, babe

Timothee Chalamet is gathering significant support for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the biographical film “A Complete Unknown.” Remarkably, it has already been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards prior to its debut at the global premiere this week.

He’s in the running for an Oscar and says that the actors’ strike, which delayed the film, might just have helped him get into the role.

He said: ‘The years I got to prepare for this role is unlike the time I’ve had for any other.

At some stage, it transitioned from feeling like work and morphed into an almost instinctual absorption of the era, a continuous immersion within the essence of the ’60s.

To truly appreciate music in its truest form, consider delving into the legendary works by Bob Dylan or Joan Baez – two icons whose music continues to resonate.

Preparing for this was quite challenging, as it involved Bob Dylan – a figure I’ve grown to appreciate significantly more recently. Initially, I wasn’t as deeply enamored with him as I am today.

Keef, the Noel Coward of rock

Rolling Stone Keith Richards is like Noel Coward, according to Eric Idle.

In 1985, during a serendipitous encounter, Eric Idle (of Monty Python fame) had an unforgettable evening with the musician, as they both found themselves in Rome at the same time.

The comedian recollected that Keith was remarkably special, reminiscent of Noel Coward in his mannerisms. Just as Coward might say, “My dear chap, do join us! What would you like to drink?

Idle mentioned that when they first encountered each other, Richards appeared to be wearing a bathrobe in an unusually tranquil state. This left him wondering, “Where’s the madman?

He said, “My dear lad, might I offer you a brandy? This world may surprise you, but it’s not all that dissimilar.

In a chat on Sirius XM, Idle – known for his jazz guitar skills – reminisced about an all-night jam session with Richards. After the night of music and drinks, Idle admitted that he couldn’t recall his lines during filming for National Lampoon European Vacation in Rome the next morning.

As a devoted admirer and follower, I must admit that the finale of the gripping saga, McMafia, marked an unexpected stumble in the impressive television journey of James Norton – a journey that has otherwise been adorned with gleaming successes.

The Happy Valley and Grantchester star says he’d love to do more shows – but has given up.

Essentially, James asserts that things significantly changed and the old systems or methods are no longer relevant, much like how the character he portrayed, Alex Godman, experienced a shift from being a son of a Russian gangster to something new in the BBC1 series.

On two separate occasions, it occurred with distinct screenwriters following our progression into script development for each of their works.

Due to recent developments in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East, it became evident that global events were progressing rapidly, making it challenging to create a politically-focused suspenseful drama without the plot appearing outdated before its release.

I truly wish I could’ve done more, but it seems that series occasionally make a comeback following long absences. For instance, Happy Valley has returned to BBC1 after a gap of seven years.

However, given the current pace of the world, we’re unlikely to see a surge in McMafia-like activities. So far, there’s no indication that things will slow down enough for this to happen.

Wicked witches are on a roll

The movie version of the popular Broadway show Wicked has exceeded expectations in every aspect – from the extensive publicity campaign and business collaborations, to its impressive ticket sales and growing recognition with award nominations.

The movie has been nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, including recognition for actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. It appears poised to create a sensation at the Oscars as well.

As a die-hard fan who has been following this project for years, I never thought I’d witness such a phenomenal turn of events with this movie. The journey it has taken from conception to reality is simply mind-blowing! It feels surreal to be part of this incredible experience, and the anticipation is almost unbearable. I can hardly wait to see how everything unfolds on the big screen!

The London-born actress said she knew the musical was ‘really special’.

‘But to see it translate this way onto film is a real wonderful experience… because sometimes it doesn’t necessarily work when you take something from stage to screen.’

She mentioned that during the filming process, they (she and Grande) developed feelings for each other, and the movie, split into two segments, will continue in the following winter.

Experiencing the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream is truly unique. Yet, realizing that dream alongside those dear to your heart makes it even more extraordinary.

Actress Cynthia Erivo has been nominated in the category of Best Actress for a Comedy or Musical, competing with Karla Sofia Gascon, who starred as the lead character in Netflix’s Emilia Perez.

If, as anticipated, both actresses receive Oscar nominations for their roles in the musical, it would mark the first time since 1965 that two musical actresses have been nominated against each other. In 1965, Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins) outshone Debbie Reynolds (The Unsinkable Molly Brown) in this regard.

The 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards are on Sunday, January 5.

The amiable ex-star of Made In Chelsea, Jamie Laing, has become the most recent departure from entertainment agency YMU.

2021 has seen departures from our clientele by individuals such as Claudia Winkleman, Angela Scanlon, Take That (the band), Gabby Logan, Leigh Francis, and Rob Rinder.

2024-12-13 02:07