James Martin is reportedly preparing to walk down the aisle — despite previously insisting marriage was never on the cards.
The TV chef, 53, is said to have proposed to his girlfriend, personal trainer Kim Johnson, 39, after almost two years of dating, marking a dramatic change of heart for the famously marriage-averse star.
James Martin is reportedly set to tie the knot with his girlfriend Kim Johnson, after previously insisting he would never get married (pictured together on Thursday)
According to reports, James celebrated the milestone in lavish fashion by gifting Kim a brand-new £150,000 Land Rover Defender, leaving her “gobsmacked” by the surprise.
The TV chef, 53, is said to have popped the question to the personal trainer, 39, after nearly two years of dating and celebrated by gifting her a £150,000 new car (seen)
While James is known for keeping his private life firmly out of the spotlight, Kim offered fans a rare glimpse into their festive celebrations this week, sharing snaps from a cosy Polar Express ride the couple enjoyed together in matching pyjamas.
While James is known to keep quiet about his personal life, Kim treated fans to a glimpse into their festive week together, with the couple enjoying a ride on the Polar Express on Thursday in matching pyjamas
She later took to Instagram Stories to reveal the luxury vehicle, posting a photo of the car alongside the caption: “James Martin I am speechless!!”
However, sources claim the extravagant present was more than just a Christmas gift — but in fact an engagement present, following James’s reported proposal.
A source told reporters:
“James and Kim may have been together for less than two years, but when you know, you know. It’s taken James decades to get to this point, and friends do smile at the fact he’s completely U-turned on his refusal to ever marry.
She couldn’t resist taking to her Instagram Stories to reveal that he had splashed out on a Land Rover Defender for her, saying she was ‘gobsmacked’ by the lavish present
“Everyone has noticed the change in him since meeting Kim. He’s never been happier — they’re a wonderful couple.”
The reported engagement represents a sharp reversal for James, who previously spoke openly about having no interest in marriage.
In a 2019 interview, he said:
“Marriage doesn’t interest me in the slightest. I’ve catered for so many weddings — I admire people who do it, but I don’t need to spend £60,000 on a day. I’m quite happy thanks.”
His engagement to Kim comes exactly two years after James’ split from long-term girlfriend Louise Davies after 12 years together (pictured 2015)
James and Kim’s romance first came to light in April last year when they were spotted shopping for jewellery at Tiffany & Co in Mayfair. The relationship appeared to deepen further in October, when Kim moved into James’s country home in Hampshire.
The engagement news comes exactly two years after James split from long-term partner Louise Davies, following a 12-year relationship. The pair met in 2011 on the set of Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and lived together at his Hampshire property.
Kim was previously married to businessman Arun Nayar, 61, tying the knot in July 2016, before divorcing the following year (pictured in 2015)
A spokesperson confirmed their separation in December 2023, stating they remained on good terms.
Kim, meanwhile, was previously married to businessman Arun Nayar, 61 — the former husband of Elizabeth Hurley. Kim and Arun wed in July 2016 after five years together, but divorced the following year. Despite the split, Kim still uses the surname Nayar on her private Instagram account.
Arun began dating Kim in 2011, following his divorce from Elizabeth Hurley after four years of marriage (pictured with Liz in 2010)
James’s apparent happiness comes after a turbulent period marked by professional controversy and serious health challenges.
Last year, the chef found himself at the centre of allegations regarding bullying behaviour on set — accusations he later apologised for, admitting he had been under immense personal strain.
James revealed that period coincided with the death of his grandfather, a home invasion while his then-partner was inside, and a shocking cancer diagnosis. He later confirmed he has undergone repeated treatments for facial cancer and has required ongoing medical care.
Speaking candidly, James admitted he had been in an “extremely emotional state” during the incidents and accepted responsibility for his behaviour, saying lessons had been learned.
In November, he shared an update with fans, revealing he was stepping back temporarily from television amid continued cancer treatment.
“I’ve been through a lot with cancer,” he said. “I’m getting sorted and I’ll be back fighting — but I’m taking a break.”
Now, with his health stabilising and a new chapter in his personal life unfolding, James appears to be embracing a future he once said he never wanted — proving that even the most firmly held beliefs can change.
