TV chef James Martin is preparing to walk down the aisle after proposing to his girlfriend, Kim Johnson. The 53-year-old “Saturday Kitchen” star popped the question to Kim, 39, his personal trainer, after nearly two years of dating—despite having long dismissed the idea of marriage.
A source close to the couple told The Sun, “James and Kim may have been together less than two years, but when you know, you know. It’s taken James decades to come to this decision, and while his friends chuckle at his change of heart about marriage, everyone agrees that he’s never been happier since meeting Kim. They make a wonderful couple.”
To mark the occasion, James is believed to have gifted Kim a Land Rover Defender.
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James’ romantic history includes relationships with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and a long-term partnership with TV producer Louise Davies, who he split from in December 2023 after 12 years. Kim was previously married to Arun Nayar, former husband of Elizabeth Hurley, but they separated after a brief marriage in 2016.
In 2019, James candidly expressed his disinterest in marriage, telling the Sunday People, “Marriage doesn’t interest me in the slightest, mainly because I’ve catered for so many weddings. I admire people who do it, but I’m perfectly happy without it. I don’t need to spend £60,000 on a day.”
Now, with this engagement, James Martin is proving that sometimes, life—and love—can change your mind.