Farmers Praise James Martin After Memorable ITV Appearance

Two South Yorkshire farmers, Rob and David Nicholson, have shared their positive experiences following their appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Morning, which aired on February 21, 2025. The brothers, who manage Cannon Hall Farm, expressed their admiration for the television presenter, describing him as a genuine and engaging host.

The Nicholson family, which also includes their father Roger and brother Richard, has become well-known through various television projects, including Channel 5’s The Great Yorkshire Show and the series The Yorkshire Vet. During their time on the ITV show, Rob and David were treated to a culinary showcase featuring paella and skin-on chicken breast with mushrooms prepared by Martin.

In a light-hearted conversation on the Cannon Hall Farm podcast, Rob humorously noted, “James is like a walking advert for the dairy industry.” This comment came in response to Dave’s observation regarding the generous use of butter in Martin’s cooking. Despite the playful banter, both farmers had high praise for the chef.

“Wasn’t he a gentleman? He gave us so much time to talk about the farm,” Dave remarked. He appreciated Martin’s attentiveness, contrasting it with their experiences with other chefs who often rush through their segments. “He really looked after us,” Dave added, highlighting Martin’s effort to promote the farm to viewers who may not have visited before.

Rob reflected on their time spent with Martin at his home in Hampshire, calling it a “10 out of 10 experience.” He emphasized, “From first to last, 10 out of 10. A really memorable experience, really enjoyed it.” When comparing their appearance to others, Dave likened it to “picking your favourite out of your children,” underscoring the significance of the occasion.

Looking forward, the Nicholsons hope to welcome Martin to their farm in Yorkshire. Rob shared that the chef, who has roots in North Yorkshire, expressed interest in flying his helicopter to visit. “He asked if we had a field he could land in,” Rob said, adding, “Well, Princess Anne landed in one, so I’m sure you can, James.” The farmers are eager to give Martin a tour of their operation and the farm shop, where they believe he will appreciate their quality produce.

James Martin will return to television screens with Saturday Morning on ITV One, continuing to engage audiences with culinary talents. This week, he will be joined by singer Freya Ridings and sports presenter Jill Douglas, with chef Sat Bains and culinary experts Dipna and Gulu Anand also contributing their dishes.

Having hosted the program for nearly a decade, Martin remains a beloved figure in the culinary world, drawing viewers into the rich tapestry of food culture and local farms.