James Martin reveals that a stranger suddenly dying in front of him is the reason he quit Saturday Kitchen

JAMES Martin has spoken about the tragic moment a stranger collapsed and died in front of him - which led him to quit Saturday Kitchen after 10 years.

The 44-year-old chef opened up to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain about how the heart-breaking event forced him to change his own life.

Susanna stated: “It was the sudden death of a stranger that threw everything into perspective.”

“Totally yeah,” said James.

“I was chatting to him and he stood up onstage and collapsed and passed away in front of me.

“And that was a year ago, and that was a decision to change.”

James went on to reveal how suddenly realised he needed to change made him leave Saturday Kitchen which he had been the popular face of since 2006.

“And I look back at all the work I had done, I had four days off that year and five days off the year before and I thought something’s gotta change.

“And that was partly the reason why I gave up the Saturday morning show.”

The chef also revealed how he was “happy for the first time in his life” thanks to his long-term girlfriend Louise Davies.

James rarely speaks about his private life and until last summer had kept the fact that he was in a five-year relationship secret, however speaking on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, he gushed about how "content" he is.

Piers Morgan teased: “This is a worrying allegation you’re in love at the moment.”

To which James joked: “Is there?”

Smiling, he added: “I’m happy. I’m happy.

“For the first time in my life I’m happy and content.

“For the first time in my life I’m content and happy.”