ITV ‘ties popular farmer to present new cooking show’ after James Martin revealed he is taking a TV break amid battle against cancer

ITV has poached a popular farmer from rival channels to present a brand new cooking show, launching in February, according to a new report.

Jimmy’s Farm star, Jimmy Doherty, is said to be 48 years old – which usually appears BBC or Channel 4 – is logged in as host a new five-episode ITV cooking show entitled Jimmy’s Taste of Florida.

The news comes as celebrity chef James Martin, 51, recently announced he would be taking a break from TV as he battles cancer.

According to the The sunJimmy’s new ITV show was unveiled earlier this week at Visit Florida’s World Travel Market dinner in London.

Footage is said to have shown the farmer demonstrating his new adventure, starting in Pensacola, Florida, then traveling across the country and ending his journey in Miami.

Just days ago, James shared an update on his battle with cancer with fans, saying he’s “taking a little break” from work in the coming weeks.

The TV chef took his tour show to Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on Monday and gave a heartfelt message to fans about his health on stage.

According to The daily mirror, he said, “On a personal note, I wanted to thank you for 30 years of television. For me personally, I’ve been through a lot with cancer, but it will be resolved at the end of next month.

‘I’m going to fight again at the end of February, but I’m taking a break to sort that out. I just wanted to thank you for all your support and all your messages.’

Martin found himself in hot water earlier this year when his foul-mouthed tirade against his TV crew was exposed by an extraordinary leaked tape recorded shortly after his shock cancer diagnosis.

The TV presenter, who is at the center of a bullying storm following allegations he intimidated staff on his food show James Martin’s Spanish Adventure, revealed he had undergone surgery to remove facial cancer following his diagnosis in 2018.

The shock confession came after an extraordinary tape was leaked The sun where Martin berated his TV crew in a foul-mouthed tirade about a clogged drain.

He told the newspaper that the outburst was the culmination of a series of unfortunate events in his life, which began with the death of his grandfather, followed by a home invasion by masked burglars and ultimately a cancer diagnosis.

New signing: It’s claimed that Jimmy’s Farm star, Jimmy Doherty, 48, has been signed up to host a new five-episode ITV cooking show, titled Jimmy’s Taste of Florid

He said: ‘Then I was diagnosed with cancer in my face and had to have surgery, which I wasn’t able to do until two days before Christmas when we finished filming. Since then it has returned several times and I require regular treatment.’

The staff’s insulting ten-minute tirade during a 2018 Zoom call, which took place during production of his show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, took place during a heated Zoom call in 2018 – the same year he had surgery for his cancer.

Martin said he “completely regrets” getting angry, and agreed that “lessons have been learned.”

Afterwards, The Ny Breaking exclusively revealed he could be axed by ITV after senior bosses were left furious by his behaviour.

Health: Just days ago, James shared an update on his battle with cancer with fans, saying he’s “taking a little break” from work in the coming weeks