James Martin quit Saturday Kitchen to focus on his love life after Dubia media boss Dominic De Souza died in front of him
The bubbly chef underwent a huge career re-think back in 2015 after the media tycoon died in front of him
THE Dubai businessman who tragically died before chef James Martin's eyes prompting him to ditch his Saturday Kitchen presenting spot and re-think his hectic career has been revealed as Dominic De Souza.
Bubbly foodie James has again relived the harrowing moment he witnessed the magazine boss and chairman of the CPI group suffer a heart attack and pass away, aged 56, while hosting the BBC Good Food Awards in 2015.
The tragedy saw James focus more on his personal life and relationship with his "secret" girlfriend.
In August The Sun Online exclusively revealed the self-proclaimed bachelor had been in a relationship with PA Louise Davies for five years and even lived with her - despite insisting he was "happily dating" .
James Martin with girlfriend of five years Louise Davies
The 44-year-old, who has remained tight-lipped about his love life since his high-profile romance with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, was first linked to Louise back in 2011 and has been quietly dating her ever since.
A source told The Sun Online: “James desperately wants to keep his private life out of the spotlight and under wraps following his romance with Barbara.
“It’s easy to do with Louise as she likes things low-key as well, unlike Barbara who loved making a fuss over him.”
James split from Barbara, who was 12 years older than him, in 2005 following four years together.
He later revealed the incredible gifts she showered him with – including a Picasso and an Aston Martin – but in the end he admitted it was the imbalance that cost them their relationship.
Things with Louise are thought to be much more balanced and the couple, who met on the set of Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, spend all their spare time together and share a relaxed life with their beloved dog Ralph.
Last February we reported how Yorkshireman James left telly fans devastated by quitting his presenting stint on the BBC show after ten years.
James then said: “At an awards ceremony in Dubai last year, a bloke on the stage dropped dead, eight feet away from me.
“He was my age, and had a similar job.
“At that moment, I decided my career had to change.”
Today he again emphasised the main factor behind his decision to Good Morning Britain hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.
Giving them an update, he told them: "That was over a year ago. And I looked back at all the work I'd done. I'd had four days off that year and five days off the year before.
"That's when I realised things would have to change. It's partly the reason I gave up Saturday Kitchen."
Dominic was born in Kenya to a Brazilian father and Goan mother.
His death rocked the media industry, with friends describing him as a "larger than life" character.
One told website : "I have never witnessed such outpouring of love for a single person in my life."
Talking of the impact of his TV work on his private life James previously told : "It wasn't just Saturday mornings.
"I was having to give up Friday nights in my restaurant - a big ask for any chef - because I'd have to be in bed by 8pm in order to leave at 3am on Saturday morning to get to London in time for the show."
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Meanwhile on today's ITV breakfast show, This Morning chef James also lifted the lid on his love life.
The TV chef 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: “There 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.”