He once vowed marriage “doesn’t interest me in the slightest.” Now, British TV chef James Martin has stunned friends and fans by popping the question to his personal trainer girlfriend, Kim Johnson, marking a dramatic U-turn on his long-held stance against tying the knot.

At 53, the Saturday Kitchen star is said to have proposed to 39-year-old Kim after nearly two years of dating, celebrating the milestone with a lavish engagement gift: a brand-new top-of-the-range Land Rover Defender worth around £150,000.

The news broke just before Christmas, with sources close to the couple revealing that Martin – known for his no-nonsense approach to life and love – has finally chosen commitment over caution. “James and Kim may have been dating for less than two years, but when you know, you know,” an insider told The Sun. “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.”

For years, Martin stood firm on his aversion to marriage. In a 2019 interview with the Sunday People, he explained his position bluntly: “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 grand on a day, no, I’m more than happy, thanks.”

Shaped by a high-profile career that saw him cater countless lavish ceremonies, Martin had built a life on his own terms. His past relationships, including a four-year romance with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli in the early 2000s and a 12-year partnership with TV producer Louise Davies that ended in December 2023, never led to the altar. The split from Davies was amicable, with the pair remaining friends, but it signaled the end of an era for the chef who prized independence.

Then came Kim Johnson. The couple was first spotted together in March 2024, shopping at Tiffany’s in London’s Mayfair – a subtle hint of things to come. By October, Kim had moved into Martin’s sprawling Hampshire country home, and insiders noted a visible shift in the chef’s demeanor. Known for his passion for cars and countryside living, Martin has shed three stone this year, possibly influenced by his fitness-focused partner.

Kim, a personal trainer, brings her own intriguing backstory. Previously married to businessman Arun Nayar – the ex-husband of actress Elizabeth Hurley – from 2016 to 2017, she has navigated high-profile circles before. Despite the brevity of that union, Kim has kept a relatively low profile until linking up with Martin.

The engagement gift has turned heads. Kim took to Instagram Stories to share her excitement over the gleaming new Defender, posting a photo with the caption: “James Martin I am speechless!!” She described herself as “gobsmacked” by the extravagant present, unaware at first that it symbolized far more than a holiday surprise.

Friends say the proposal was quiet and private – no headlines, no spectacle – fitting for a man who has always guarded his personal life fiercely. Yet the news has ripple effects. Martin’s change of heart has reportedly been hard for some, including ex Louise Davies, who spent over a decade by his side. Sources hinted earlier this year that Martin’s newfound happiness could complicate things for his former partner.

Martin’s career remains as robust as ever. The Yorkshire-born chef rose to fame on shows like Ready Steady Cook before becoming a Saturday morning staple on ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning. He’s authored numerous cookbooks, hosted travel-cooking series like James Martin’s French Adventure and Islands to Highlands, and built a reputation for hearty British fare with a luxurious twist.

Off-screen, Martin has faced personal challenges, including a battle with facial cancer diagnosed in 2018, which he overcame. His love for fast cars is legendary – he once turned down an Aston Martin gift from Broccoli because it was “too expensive” – making the Defender a fittingly personal token for his fiancée.

As reports spread, fans flooded social media with congratulations during a recent episode of his show. Viewers tweeted messages like “Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage” and “Many congratulations on your engagement,” catching the chef mid-broadcast in a pre-recorded Christmas special.

This engagement represents more than a romantic milestone; it’s a profound shift for a man who once seemed unshakeable in his solitude. Heartbreak, caution, and a demanding career had kept marriage at bay. But love, it seems, has a way of rewriting even the firmest resolutions.

No wedding date has been announced, and representatives for Martin have yet to comment officially. But for now, the TV chef known for perfect roasts and no-fuss attitude is stepping into a new chapter – one that includes wedding bells and, undoubtedly, a few wry smiles from those who thought they’d never see the day.