James Martin’s new show has been beaten in the ratings by the TV chef’s former series Saturday Kitchen.
Saturday Morning With James Martin launched on ITV at the same time as BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, a programme the star spent 10 years fronting until bowing out last year.
Saturday Kitchen claimed one million viewers and a 17% share, while Martin’s new series launched with 500,000 viewers and a 9% share.
Saturday Kitchen, hosted by Matt Tebbutt, ran from 10am to 11.30am while its ITV rival aired between 9.30am and 11.25am.
Thanks to a top team @saturdayjamesmartin @sat_jamesmartin #saturdayjamesmartin https://t.co/IPSS8zPZIk pic.twitter.com/pbXAg5GfeS
— James Martin (@jamesmartinchef) September 2, 2017
Martin drew a mixed response when he debuted his new TV show – with some viewers accusing him of rehashing Saturday Kitchen.
@ColleteGibson wrote: “The Beeb has never been the same since James Martin left but this is recorded, plagiarised ITV crud. Will stick with Saturday Kitchen thanks.”
@lizzylu1970 added: “Not quite sure why James Martin left Saturday Kitchen as he’s doing exactly same thing but on ITV??”
But @shunty09 enjoyed the new series, writing: “Loved the new show! So glad you’re back waking me up on a Saturday morning.”
And @Peter_H_Todd said: “Great first show. James Martin racing cars and cooking that’s one fantastic way to start my Saturday morning.”
The Beeb has never been the same since James Martin left but this is recorded, plagiarized ITV crud. Will stick with #SaturdayKitchen thanks
— Collette Gibson (@ColleteGibson) September 2, 2017
Not quite sure why James Martin left Saturday Kitchen as he's doing exactly same thing but on ITV??
— Lillibet70 (@lizzylu1970) September 2, 2017
Great first show @sat_jamesmartin racing cars & cooking that's one fantastic way to start my Saturday morning. #SaturdayMorning #JamesMartin
— Peter Henry Todd (@Peter_H_Todd) September 2, 2017
Great first show @sat_jamesmartin racing cars & cooking that's one fantastic way to start my Saturday morning. #SaturdayMorning #JamesMartin
— Peter Henry Todd (@Peter_H_Todd) September 2, 2017
Martin has previously dismissed suggestions that there would be any similarities between the two programmes.
“I think if you see it, it’s not a comparison,” he told HuffPost UK. “The only comparison is me. I can’t change me.”
His new weekend series was one of three new commissions announced earlier this year by ITV, following on from his daytime series James Martin’s French Adventure.
