James Martin announced he's taking a breather from his culinary programme, Saturday Morning, as he and the ITV team enjoy a well-deserved summer break.

Closing today's episode, the celebrated chef expressed gratitude: "That's all we have got time for today, a massive thank you to all of my guests.

"To my food team, you can sleep better now. Daniel and Sally, and of course, Harry Redknapp and Carly Paoli."

James then revealed his holiday plans, teasing about their varied destinations: "That is also for the series. Me and the crew are heading off on sunny holidays. Different climates." Engaging with one of this team, James inquired: "Where are you going?" reports Devon Live.

When his crew member disclosed, "Portugal," James jovially responded, "Yorkshire for me. But we will be back here with more top chefs, other brilliant guests, and more delicious recipes later on in the year."

Before signing off, he left viewers with heartfelt wishes: "Until then, thanks for watching. Have a wonderful, fantastic summer. I'll see you out there wherever you are.

"Thanks for watching, see you again soon, goodbye for now."

Additionally, in today's show, the host updated the audience about an unusual change in the running time, explaining, "Because of the Derby on ITV1 this afternoon, it is a shorter episode than usual today. But we still have time for one more dish," referring to the day's compressed schedule.

In a different segment, while exploring Italy's culinary delights, James candidly mused to his audience how he could "retire" there after savouring a local chef's authentic fish creation.

"Can I just say if your two sons don't want to do this, you call me," he said, chuckling with a tempting thought on his mind: "I might retire here. I could be over there, I could be doing this, it is fantastic."

James Martin's Saturday Morning is available to watch on ITVX.