James Martin shares live cooking secret ITV fans 'won't believe' on Saturday Morning show

James Martin made a comeback on ITV with his much-loved Saturday Morning programme, delighting followers with an exclusive peek into his culinary magic.

The applause-worthy chef was in the good company of Darjeeling Express's Asma Khan, the Scottish culinary star Tony Singh, JLS heartthrob Aston Merrygold, and racing expert Francesca Cumani.

Martin, 52, paused to share his passion for the show today, revealing a behind-the-scenes tidbit about his prep routine before each live cook-off.

He caught Cumani off-guard as she praised him on his flawless technique, revealing he doesn't practice any dishes beforehand.

Sharing a nugget with the viewers, Martin exclaimed, "You won't believe this", and even called on a producer off-screen to confirm that his first takes are always broadcasted without rehearsal, reports .

He further assured Cumani, boasting that his culinary creations were all off-the-cuff, while she admitted she'd need to stick to a recipe meticulously.

"People won't believe me, but it's true," insisted James. He added: "Sam will say 'yes' or 'no' to this. Every recipe I've done on television for the last 16 years...

"The first time you see it is the first time I do it," he declared, just as Sam gave a confirming "yes" from the wings.

Throughout today's show, James whipped up a feast for the eyes, crafting dishes like spring rolls complete with various Payst condiments and spices, courtesy of the innovators at Farang, known for their Thai-British gastronomic blend right in the heart of London.

Singh whipped up a storm with his "gamey twist on a classic", presenting a delectable grouse parmo, complete with succulent, crispy grouse breasts crowned with a rich, nutmeg-laced bread sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

This creation, accompanied by a zesty tomato and redcurrant sauce, is Singh's homage to the legendary Middlesbrough parmo, traditionally made with a breaded chicken cutlet lavished with white bechamel sauce and melted cheese.

The culinary delights continued with James' California rolls, bursting with fresh tuna, luscious avocado, and crisp cucumber.

These sushi staples, encased in nori and finished with a drizzle of homemade yuzu mayo, were served alongside tuna drenched in a sweetly savoury miso sauce.

Another crowd-pleaser was the comforting pasta ragout, featuring freshly-made pasta enveloped in a sumptuous, slow-cooked beef and pork ragout.

Described as "packed with flavours of garlic, basil, and tender veggies", this dish was topped off with a hearty helping of grated parmesan cheese.

The feast didn't stop there, with other tantalising offerings including a sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce, butter-roasted plaice with Grenobloise and Beurre Blanc, and Khan's fusion-inspired Anglo-Indian beef meatball curry.

James Martin’s Saturday Morning returns next week at 9.30am on ITV and is available to catch up now on ITVX.