Celebrity chef James Martin, known for his vibrant presence on *Saturday Kitchen*, is gearing up for his highly anticipated UK tour, but not without some serious concerns. 

The 52-year-old chef has confessed that while he’s excited about the upcoming shows, 

he also has some apprehensions about meeting audience expectations and delivering a top-notch performance. 

In a recent interview with *Cotswold Life Magazine*, Martin shared 

that he hopes his live shows won’t disappoint fans who might expect his performances to be similar to his beloved BBC cooking series.

Martin admitted that there was a real fear that the live shows, 

which will be comedy-driven and fast-paced, might not live up to the standards that people associate with his *Saturday Kitchen* appearances. “People think the live shows are going to be like my Saturday morning show, but it’s really not – it’s fast-paced, fun comedy, made by a great team, and it is really cool,” he said. He added that he feels an immense pressure to avoid putting on a “rubbish” performance, especially in high-profile venues like Birmingham Symphony Hall, the Newcastle O2, and Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

Despite the nerves, James revealed that having his parents in the audience gives him a sense of calm when performing in front of such large crowds. He reflected on a particularly special moment from his last tour, where he performed at the prestigious London Palladium on a Sunday night, sharing how magical it felt to see his mum and dad in the audience. “They knew how much I had worked and for how long to get there,” he recalled fondly.

Alongside his excitement about the tour, Martin’s recent appearance on *Loose Women* stirred some controversy, especially when the conversation shifted to his opinion about air fryers. The chef, who is known for his classic approach to cooking, was discussing his new cookbook *Cheese*, which features 100 delicious recipes for cheese lovers, when the topic of air fryers came up. Although air fryers are loved by many for their convenience and ability to create crispy food with less oil, Martin expressed a strong disapproval of the appliance.

He explained that he preferred traditional methods of cooking, sharing fond memories of his grandmother, who was an exceptional cook but never used any modern kitchen gadgets. “She used to make shortbread whilst she was watching Corrie and then she would put it all together and it used to melt in your mouth,” Martin reminisced. For him, cooking wasn’t about gadgets—it was about the experience and the personal touch of preparing food by hand.

Martin went on to dismiss air fryers as unnecessary, saying, “We’re not against them, we just cope perfectly well without them. I just get the feeling that in a few years’ time they’re gonna be in the same place as those liquid globe things we used to have in the eighties (lava lamps). It’s gonna be the same context of that.” His remark, “I just think we’ve coped so well without them, we’ve got this thing in the kitchen it’s called an oven, just use it,” didn’t sit well with some viewers.

Many fans took to social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), to express their frustration with Martin’s comments, arguing that air fryers are more cost-effective and energy-efficient, particularly for smaller households. One user pointed out, “Cooking for just one or two people in your oven is daft! Costs more to cook the food than it did to buy it.” Others were quick to highlight that air fryers are a cheaper option for cooking than a traditional oven, especially given the current rising energy costs. “It’s clear he doesn’t have to worry about his gas or electric usage,” one frustrated fan tweeted.

Despite the backlash, Martin’s remarks show that he’s not afraid to stand by his traditional culinary values. His comments have sparked a wider debate about kitchen gadgets and energy use, with many agreeing that the choice of appliance depends on individual needs and circumstances.

As Martin prepares for his tour, it’s clear that his passion for cooking remains unwavering, even if his views on modern kitchen technology might not align with everyone. His upcoming live performances promise to offer a mix of comedy and cooking, providing fans with a unique and entertaining experience. But whether or not his views on air fryers will continue to ruffle feathers remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that James Martin is always ready to speak his mind—whether on stage or in the kitchen.

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