Chef accused of rehashing show as new TV offering loses ratings battle

James Martin’s new show has been beaten in the ratings by the TV chef’s former series Saturday Kitchen.

Saturday Morning With James Martin launched on ITV at the same time as BBC1’S Saturday Kitchen, a programme the star fronted for ten years until last year.

Saturday Kitchen claimed one million viewers and a 17 per cent share, while Martin’s new series launched with 500,000 viewers and a 9 per cent share. Martin drew a mixed response when he debuted his new TV show, with some 0 James Martin switched after ten years at the BBC viewers accusing him of rehashing Saturday Kitchen.

@Colletegibson wrote: “The Beeb has never been the same since James Martin left but this is recorded, plagiarised ITV crud. Will stick with Saturday Kitchen, thanks.” @lizzylu1970 added: “Not quite sure why James Martin left Saturday Kitchen as he’s doing exactly same thing but on ITV?”

But @shunty09 wrote: “Loved the new show! So glad you’re back waking me up on a Saturday morning.”

And @Peter_h_todd said: “Great first show. James Martin racing cars and cooking, that’s one fantastic way to start my Saturday morning.”

Martin had dismissed suggestions there would be any similarities between the two programmes.

Saturday Kitchen ran from 10am to 11:30am while its ITV rival aired between 9:30am and 11:25am.