💍 “I NEVER WANTED TO GET MARRIED… UNTIL HER” — James Martin’s Secret Proposal to Kim Johnson Has Everyone Melting: The Chef Who Swore Off the Aisle Just Did a Total 180! 😍🍳

For years, the Saturday Kitchen star insisted he’d NEVER tie the knot — no rings, no vows, no regrets about staying single after a long relationship ended. “I’m happy as I am,” he’d say, dodging the idea of marriage like it was burnt toast.

Then came Kim Johnson. The stunning personal trainer who quietly stole his heart over two years of low-key dates, shared laughs, and genuine connection. Suddenly? Everything changed.

Celebrity chef James Martin has reportedly become engaged to his girlfriend of nearly two years, personal trainer Kim Johnson, marking a notable shift from his previous public statements about never wanting to marry. The news, first reported in mid-December 2025, has drawn attention across British media for its contrast with Martin’s earlier comments on relationships and commitment.

Martin, 53, best known for presenting ITV’s Saturday Morning with James Martin and appearances on Saturday Kitchen, began dating Johnson, 39, following the end of his 12-year relationship with former partner Louise Davies in 2023. The couple kept their romance relatively private initially, with few public sightings or joint appearances. Johnson, a fitness professional, has been described in reports as supportive and down-to-earth, qualities that friends say have brought Martin significant happiness.

Prior to meeting Johnson, Martin had expressed reservations about marriage. In interviews around 2022, he reflected on past regrets, including not settling down earlier or having children, but maintained that he was content remaining single. He described himself as fulfilled by his career, aviation hobbies (he is a qualified pilot), and close friendships, stating he saw no need for formal commitment. These remarks positioned him as someone who valued independence after long-term partnerships.

The engagement reports emerged around December 19, 2025, with outlets including The Sun and Hello! citing sources close to the couple. Martin is said to have proposed during a private Christmas period moment, with Johnson accepting. To mark the occasion, he reportedly gifted her a £150,000 Land Rover, a gesture highlighted in coverage as celebratory and generous. Johnson appeared to confirm the news publicly on Instagram in mid-January 2026, posting a photo of one of Martin’s culinary creations with the caption “So proud of my fiancé.” The post garnered widespread attention and congratulations from fans and media.

The couple’s relationship has been portrayed positively in reports. Sources describe Johnson as making Martin “happier than he has ever been,” a factor cited in his decision to reconsider marriage. They have been together for under two years, a timeframe that contrasts with Martin’s longer previous relationship but aligns with accounts of a strong, compatible bond. No details on a wedding date or plans have been shared publicly, and the couple has not issued formal statements beyond the Instagram confirmation.

Martin’s career continues unabated. He remains a prominent figure in British television, hosting cooking shows that emphasize accessible recipes and enthusiasm for food. Recent episodes and interviews have occasionally touched on personal life, including a January 2026 appearance where he mentioned accommodating a “request” from Johnson for home improvements, such as kitchen updates, without hesitation. He has also discussed recent refractive lens surgery to improve vision, crediting it with enhancing his quality of life and work.

The engagement has sparked interest in Martin’s personal evolution. Observers note the age difference of 14 years but emphasize mutual respect and shared interests in fitness, travel, and lifestyle. Johnson maintains a professional profile focused on training and wellness, with limited media exposure prior to the relationship.

Public reaction has been largely supportive, with fans expressing delight at Martin’s apparent contentment. Social media comments highlight the romantic reversal, often framing it as proof that “the right person changes everything.” Some coverage has revisited Martin’s past comments on marriage for context, presenting the proposal as a genuine shift rather than inconsistency.

Martin’s journey reflects broader patterns among public figures who reassess priorities later in life. After building a successful career—spanning books, restaurants, and television—he has spoken about valuing personal happiness over rigid plans. The engagement appears to fit this outlook, with Johnson credited for bringing stability and joy.

As of January 19, 2026, no further developments on wedding arrangements have surfaced. The couple continues to maintain a degree of privacy, focusing on their respective professional lives while navigating the increased attention. For Martin, the milestone represents a departure from earlier declarations, underscoring how relationships can evolve perspectives.

The story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of personal commitments, even for those who once ruled them out. With Martin’s continued presence on screens and Johnson’s support in the background, the engagement adds a new chapter to his public narrative—one centered on unexpected happiness and second chances at traditional milestones.