James Martin has been forced to issue a statement after it was revealed that he’d been accused of “bullying and intimidating behaviour” by the crew who worked with him on his ITV show.
The celebrity chef took to Instagram to post a lengthy statement to explain his behaviour and apologise to those involved.
His celebrity fans were quick to show their support, with First Dates star Fred Sirieix commenting: “Such a shame you felt compelled to do this. Keep your head up. I’m looking forward to your next show and to see you again x”
Denise Van Outen also showed her support by writing: “James & @ralph_loulabelle I love you both so much! You’ve always made me feel welcome and you know hanging out with you guys on your show with you’re brilliant team is one of my highlights of the year.
“I’m so sorry this has been put out into the public domain, when I know you’ve already apologised in private. Sending loads of love to you guys . Can’t wait to see you soon.”
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His This Morning colleague, Dermot O’Leary also commented on the post to say: “Chin up, shoulders back, butter ready to speed”
And Australian pop star Natalie Imbruglia said: “Oh man… sending you so much love. Sorry you are having to deal with this…”
Former Coronation Street actress Cath Tyldesley also offered her support, saying: “You are human. And a lovely, kind, welcoming, talented one at that. You don’t have to justify to anyone. You are allowed to have emotions. So sorry you’ve had to go through this. Sending love”
Lizzy Cundy reached out with the comment: “Bless you. So sorry you’ve been through all of this. And sorry you had to explain . Sending much love”
So did Carol Vorderman who wrote: “So sorry you had to go through all of this. Wishing you all the best.” And Katie Piper sent a simple message to say: “Sending love to you James”
James’ celebrity chef pals also rallied around with Mark Birchall saying: “You’re a top man and an inspiration. Keeping smashing it!”
Chef Atul Kochhar also left a lengthy message of support for his friend which read: “James – you really didn’t had to explain yourself to anyone but this shows your humility and humbleness. I have known you over 30 years as a friend, mentor, guide and as a brother.
“You are the kindest person I know. You have always contributed positive things to people’s lives and will continue to do that. I know for fact while working on different TV programmes with you that your crew loves you and adores you. You are a GEM and a hero to millions in this country.
“Chin up my brother, wear that beautiful smile and get on with cooking – don’t burn the food – guests are waiting in the dining room.Lots of love & hugs to you from me and my family. “
Whilst This Morning regular Phil Vickery wrote: “You are an incredible inspiration.”
James, 51, said in his statement: “Firstly, I would like to publicly and sincerely apologise to the crew involved in this incident, as I did at the time.
“I have always strived to keep my private life private. However since details of a conversation, which was secretly recorded in January 2018, are now five years later being made public by a former member of our production team, I have decided to make a statement.
“The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life. I was dealing with the death of my last living grandparent, my grandfather, and on account of work commitments, I could not attend his funeral.”
He then went on to explain that his partner Louise had been burgled at night by a team of masked men whilst he was working away.
And also revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer, which resulted in him having surgery.
He finished his statement by saying: “After all this stress I was in a very emotional state, and when after filming in early January 2018 I discovered my home had been flooded while filming, I was extremely upset.
“I can only say I am human and following a build-up of personal life pressure, I admit that I overreacted regarding the damage to my home.”