Born:
June 30, 1972
in
Malton, North Yorkshire
Best Known For:
Being a celebrity chef.
Early-life:
Born in Malton, North Yorkshire, on June 30, 1972. His family were farmers living on the Castle Howard estate, and his interest in cookery was sparked by helping his mum in its kitchen. At school he was diagnosed as dyslexic, but excelled at cricket and rugby. James studied catering at Scarborough Technical College before continuing his training in France at the Hostellerie De Plaisance and Maison Troisgros.
Career:
Martin eventually returned to the UK, where he was employed by Antony Worrall Thompson at his Kensington restaurant. He went on to work at various other London eateries before becoming head chef, aged just 22, at Hotel Du Vin in Winchester. He made his TV debut in 1996 with James Martin: Yorkshire's Finest, in which he demonstrated the county's cuisine. Other food-related shows include Stately Suppers, Sweet Baby James, Saturday Kitchen, Operation Hospital Food, The Roux Scholarship, United States of Cakes and The Great British Budget Menu. A keen motorist, Martin has also written a motoring column and co-hosted Racing Legends with Sir Jackie Stewart. He came fourth in Strictly Come Dancing in 2005, narrowly missing out on a place in the final with his partner, Camilla Dallerup.
Quote:
"Home cooking brings back to me so many memories of childhood. And it's always wholesome food, proper gravy, great garnishes - it's the ultimate comfort food."
Trivia:
Martin holds the world record for carrot-chopping. He peeled and chopped 515g of the veg in one minute during a Ready Steady Cook special for Children in Need.