Saturday Kitchen host James Martin has hung up his apron for the very last time with a thank you to viewers and the BBC for supporting him throughout his 10 years at the helm.
The chef, who announced in February he was stepping down as host of the programme – a weekend institution in many households – welled up as he gave his farewell speech over the credits.
“It’s been a day I have been dreading,” Martin said. “But the thought of never having to taste a runny omelette again live on TV and setting the alarm at four o’clock in the morning does cheer me up a little.”
The BBC has announced that a string of celebrity chefs would host the show following his departure. Michelin star chef Michel Roux Jr will be the first presenter on 2 April, with John Torode and Lorraine Pascale also lined up for future episodes.
Martin’s final programme was packed with tributes to his tenure as host, including a highlights reel of his best moments and a reprieve from the regular omelette challenge.
Chefs Paul Ainsworth, Claude Bosi and Sat Bains cooked dishes chosen by Martin, while Vivek Singh prepared an “old Delhi-style” butter chicken for Martin’s food heaven.
In further recognition of his love of dairy fat, Martin received a near life-size statue of a Friesian cow emblazoned with the Saturday Kitchen logo as a parting gift.
Social media came alive with tributes to the host, with the hashtag #SaturdayKitchen becoming the UK’s top Twitter trend while the 90-minute programme was broadcast.
Martin ended the show with his own tribute to cast, crew and viewers, saying: “I’m going to miss these amazing guests – the world’s best chefs – and all of this crew here all of which make the show what it is, and what it will continue to be.
“Your support has been amazing: never wavering, never faltering, despite my many mistakes. You have always been there and it’s an honour and a privilege to serve up every weekend.
“I want to end saying one thing: thank you for watching; thank you for you the viewer; thank you for all your kind messages and your support, recently and over the years. But most of all, thank you for being you. Have a great weekend, bye for now.”
Martin will still appear on Saturday Kitchen Best Bites on BBC Two on Sunday mornings.