James Martin shares heartfelt tribute to 'legend' after tragic death

James Martin shared a heartfelt tribute to a "legend" after their tragic death.

During the latest episode (September 27) of ITV's Saturday Morning, the 53-year-old television star was accompanied by fellow chefs Asma Khan and Kate Austen, alongside singer Russell Watson.

Whilst responding to viewer questions, James disclosed the career moment that left him feeling most "nervous".

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Despite maintaining a close friendship with Michel Roux Snr, who also acted as his mentor, James confessed that he needed to raise his standards when preparing meals for him. The renowned French chef and restaurateur died in 2020 aged 78.

"After 32 years of television, there's one chef that made me nervous and that was Michel Roux Snr. Nobody else," James disclosed, reports the Express.

"We lost him sadly about five years ago. He was an ex-mentor and a boss of mine. A friend and a legend. But even as a friend, I still had to up my game."

James explained that he would prepare whatever Michel desired, though he held especially cherished recollections of making a traditional French dish at his home.

"I remember doing crêpes Suzette at his house in the south of France. I remember cooking quail. One of the best, we've shown it on the show before, a whole VT from his house," he recalled.

"We cooked a barbequed quail, looking out towards Saint-Tropez. One of the best days I've had in my life. You have pinch yourself moments in life and TV has given me the opportunity to do that, certainly meeting amazing chefs."

Michel was renowned for launching La Gavroche restaurant in Sloane Square in 1967, quickly earning the nickname of "godfather of modern cuisine".

La Gavroche made history as the first UK restaurant to bag a Michelin star in 1974. Michel's culinary prowess saw him secure three stars for the restaurant during his lifetime, and an additional three for The Waterside Inn.

In other highlights from today's Saturday Morning, James whipped up a calf's liver, moules marinière and a New York-style cheesecake, much to Russell Watson's delight.

Meanwhile, Kate rustled up a saffron risotto with pan-fried scallops and a chilli oil, while Asma presented a mouth-watering Indian prawn recipe.

James Martin's Saturday Morning is broadcast weekly on ITV1 at 9.30am