James Martin's opens up on his 'hellish' cancer battle as celeb chef admits he planned his own funeral

James Martin has opened up about his harrowing experience with cancer, which left him in "debilitating pain". The 52-year-old, who hails from Malton , has been open about the "hell" he went through fighting facial skin cancer, with the deadly condition coming back to haunt him on "several occasions". Describing the period around his diagnosis as "one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life", James shared how the intense pain from the cancer often overwhelmed him.

He also recounted missing his grandfather's funeral due to his health struggles, an event that caused him significant distress, and his home being burgled during this vulnerable time. The gravity of his situation even led him to contemplate his own mortality and plan his funeral. However, James is now in a much better place, more than six years after his diagnosis.



In a conversation with Candis magazine, he expressed renewed vigour: "But this is the first time in six years that I feel as fit as a fiddle.", reports Gloucestershire Live . His improved health has brought a change in perspective, with James now focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the end.

He has embarked on new ventures, including opening the Lygon Arms pub in the Cotswolds, and he's even dreaming big with a 10-year plan. He elaborated on his vision: "I've got this dream. I'd have my own place called Eight which would be open eight days a month serving an eight-course menu to 18 people.

" The "Saturday Morning" presenter has been candid about his health journey, including his impressive three-stone weight loss. He has also shared the unique motivation behind his transformation. James spoke candidly on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast about his significant weight loss.

He shared, "It comes down to the fact that I race cars, or I still try and race a few cars and I actually struggle to get out of them now. Getting in them, you kind of fall in them, but then you've got to get out of them and it just doesn't look very good." Fans might find the key components of the star's diet rather unexpected.

James revealed his fondness for fish and butter as instrumental in preserving his svelte physique. Empahsising his dietary preferences, he explained, "I've decided that I maybe need to stay clear away from these (picks up a Twix bar) and stuff like that and maybe eat fish, and it's worked." Additionally, James has expressed his aversion to the gym, choosing instead a more natural form of exercise.

The alternative? He racks up an impressive 20 to 30,000 steps daily during walks with his dog. Get all the latest celebrity and TV news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here..