James Martin makes This Morning presenting debut as he eyes regular role

James Martin has made his guest presenting debut on This Morning after stepping down from Saturday Kitchen.

The TV chef hosted Friday’s show alongside Ruth Langsford, admitting that he felt ‘lucky’ to be there.

Half an hour into the show, he told viewers: “My nerves have gone now… I’m fine now. And I can see the kitchen over there, it’s calling me!”

The pair interviewed US author Ian Halperin and talked through the day’s showbiz gossip with Rylan Clarke-Neal.

“Two weeks hosting and I’ve been bumped for James Martin,” Clarke-Neal joked.

Martin has been vocal about wanting to host the daytime chat show on a more regular basis, telling the Express:

“I’d love to be a regular part of This Morning! It’s an institution. If the producers ask me back, I’m sure I will do it. I keep thinking they’ve asked the wrong person.

“I asked the editor why he picked me and he said, ‘you’ve got an opinion’. I’ll give it my best shot - I’ve even bought a new shirt.”

The 43-year-old stepped down as Saturday Kitchen presenter on March 27 after a decade in the job.

The popular weekend cookery show is now being hosted by a rota of celebrity chefs.