James Martin has reportedly taken a dramatic step many believed he’d never make — proposing to girlfriend Kim Johnson — despite years of insisting marriage simply wasn’t on his agenda.
The 53-year-old television chef is said to have popped the question to Kim, 39, almost two years into their relationship, and marked the moment with a lavish £150,000 Land Rover Defender, turning what was expected to be a quiet romance into a headline-making twist.
Known for guarding his private life, James didn’t announce the news himself. But Kim, a personal trainer, shared glimpses of their festive celebrations on Instagram — including a joyful ride on the Polar Express in matching pyjamas — and later posted a photo of the luxury vehicle, admitting she was “gobsmacked” and “speechless” over the extravagant surprise.
According to The Sun, the new Land Rover wasn’t just a Christmas treat — but an engagement gift, signalling a major U-turn from James, who once declared marriage wasn’t something he desired after catering countless weddings. A source told the publication: “They’ve been together less than two years, but when you know, you know. Friends joke about his complete shift on marriage, but they can see he’s never been happier.”
Daily Mail has reached out to James’ representatives for comment.
The engagement — if confirmed — would be especially surprising considering James’ previous stance. In a 2019 interview, he openly rejected the idea of spending tens of thousands on a single wedding day, saying he admired those who did, but preferred a simpler life.
James’ romance with Kim first attracted attention when the pair were spotted jewellery shopping at Tiffany’s in Mayfair in April last year. They appeared to take a more serious step in October, when Kim reportedly moved into James’ countryside home in Hampshire.
Their relationship comes two years after James’ split from his long-term partner Louise Davies, whom he dated for 12 years following their meeting on the set of Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Representatives confirmed in December 2023 that the couple separated on good terms and remained friends.
Kim herself was previously married to businessman Arun Nayar — famously once wed to Elizabeth Hurley — tying the knot in 2016 before divorcing the following year. Though her Instagram is now private, she keeps the handle @kimjohnson.pt and still uses “Kim Nayar” in her bio.
For James, this reported engagement arrives after several challenging years. The chef found himself at the centre of controversy last summer following accusations of intimidating behaviour towards production crew on his ITV food show. He was accused of a second incident dating back to 2018, involving a heated reaction during filming at his home.
James apologised, attributing his behaviour to personal turmoil — including the death of his grandfather, a masked burglary at his home, and an ordeal with cancer treatments. ITV confirmed discussions with the production company and stated actions were taken to improve welfare and working conditions.
In leaked audio, James could be heard swearing repeatedly and appearing frustrated over damage caused to his home. He has since acknowledged the emotional strain he was under at the time, noting he faced multiple cancer treatments and was devastated by personal loss.
He later revealed he was undergoing further treatment and would be taking a temporary break from television, announcing to fans that he planned to return after recovering, thanking them for three decades of support.
If confirmed, his engagement to Kim may signal a change in fortune — a rare moment of personal celebration amid years marked by professional scrutiny and painful health challenges.
