TV chef James Martin has broken the promise of a lifetime by deciding to get married after previously declaring wedlock was not for him.
The Saturday Kitchen star, 53, is said to have fallen head over heels for personal trainer Kim Johnson.
After two years of dating, the pair have decided to take their relationship to the next level by tying the knot, The Sun reports.
Friends say he has popped the question and lavished money on a top-model Land Rover Defender as an engagement present.
Describing them as a "wonderful couple", a source told the newspaper: "James and Kim may have been dating for less than two years, but when you know, you know.
"Of course, it's taken James decades to finally get there and friends do share a wry smile that he's U-turned on his staunch refusal to ever marry.
"But everyone has seen the change in him since meeting Kim and he's never been happier."
The couple began dating in March 2024, just months after Martin split from his long-term partner Louise Davies, who he had been with for 12 years.
Before that, he dated James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.
Martin, who beat facial cancer in 2018, told an interview the following year: "Marriage doesn't interest me in the slightest, mainly because I've catered for so many weddings, really.
"I admire people who do it, that's fine, but I'm quite happy. I don't need to spend £60,000 on a day, no, I'm more than happy, thanks."
He has never had children but as a car enthusiast has often proudly showed off the vehicles in his garage to friends—describing them as his "babies".
Kim was previously married to Elizabeth Hurley's ex-husband Arun Nayar until their split in 2017.
She was spotted with Martin for the first time in March 2024 as they shopped at Tiffany's jewellers in London's Mayfair. They holidayed in France that summer.
In October, Kim moved into Martin's country home in Hampshire and it may be the case that her personal training expertise has rubbed off on the chef, who has shed three stone this year.
Away from Saturday morning cookery shows, Martin has become one of TV's most familiar faces presenting James Martin's Great British Adventure, Islands to Highlands and James Martin's French Adventure.
