EXCLUSIVE: TV chef James Martin charms crowds in first public appearance since being rocked by bullying allegations

Popular TV chef James Martin has charmed the public in his first public appearance since he was rocked by allegations of bullying.

The star has been eating plain pie after it was claimed he went on a ‘foul mouth’ tirade at staff, berating them and bringing them to tears.

But this weekend, the chef – who had to apologize – was on his best behavior as he hosted a luncheon at a prestigious foodie game fair with fans and workers claiming he’s “brilliant” and “fantastic.”

They rallied to support the cooking favorite under the fire, with some even saying he was “treated unfairly” by a vicious whistleblower.

James, 51, won over guests with a ‘bit of banter’, posing for photos with them and serving fish and chips.

A visitor to the famous The Game Fair at Ragley Hall near Alcester in Warwickshire said: ‘He’s been brilliant and so kind, which surprised us after all he’s been through.’

Janey Brookes told MailOnline: ‘He came to this event, he cooked and he did a meet and greet with so many people, and we’re all grateful.

“He has been in so much grief and he could have just hidden. He has been treated unfairly;

The 46-year-old farm shop clerk from Staffordshire said: ‘But he came out fighting. He’s made a mistake in the past, as we all do, and he’s publicly apologized, so let him have his way.

Everyone wanted to meet him and have their picture taken with him, and he took the time to chat and act a little silly.

“But we never talked about the negative publicity he’s had. He was friendly and seems to have put that behind him.’

Mr Martin, who has been reprimanded by ITV bosses over allegations of bullying and intimidating staff on his food show, showcased his culinary skills in a VIP marquee The Enclosure during the busy three-day show.

It was business as usual for the much-loved Yorkshire chef, who revealed his shocked face cancer diagnosis last week when he spoke out to apologize after claims he had bullied crew members on set.

The chef, who often appears on This Morning, shared a statement on social media revealing that he has dealt with the fatal illness, a burglary and the loss of a grandparent.

He said he was “appalled by what had happened” and on reflection acknowledged that he “reacted emotionally” to allegations of bullying and harassing behavior during the “most difficult period of my life.”

Mr Martin, who has a long-term girlfriend of TV producer Louise Davies, spent Saturday wowing spectators at the country chase fair, with displays including hound handling, archery, clay pigeon shooting and fishing.

One team member said, “He’s been fantastic. He’s had terrible press lately and a colleague betrayed him.’

The woman, who has worked with him for five years, said: ‘What happened was unfair. He has dealt with the situation that was long ago.

‘He does what he likes here, coming up with a menu, preparing and cooking.

“Then he likes to meet the people who appreciate him – and there are many!”

Blurb for The Game Fair event had encouraged VIP attendees to pre-book lunch at The Enclosure, overlooking a spectacle of show ring events and “the best place to be,” with a menu designed by celebrity chefs. cook.

On his Instagram, James Martin posts, “I hosted lunch at The Enclosure all weekend.”

Dinner Sarah Wright said, “It was amazing, a platinum experience. The food was fantastic, the staff were great. James, you broke it!’

Another Carol Thiim (crrct) said, “What a terrible few years James has had and I’m sorry you’ve had to explain yourself, and we wish you well.”

Karen Owen added: “You are an absolute gentleman and love posing for photos, I am sorry for the challenges you have faced.”

One of them said, ‘It’s sad someone betrayed you, just keep being yourself James. You are great.’

A guest Cherril Corbett added, ‘It’s so easy for people to be horrible to people in the public eye. No one understands what you’ve been through. You are very brave.’

Mr Martin spent time talking to staff and visitors while building a new fan base,

Bethany Perry, 22, a university student of tropical disease from Bedford, told MailOnline: ‘Jamie was very friendly and managed to put his worries aside.

“He’s had some negative press and being here on this show has been a big ask. He has been here one of three days and everyone is so grateful that he showed up.

‘He has been so kind and friendly to all of us, the kitchen and bar staff and the guests. Among other things, he cooked fish and chips, which was a feast.’

Ms. Perry’s co-barman A-Level student Rory Watkins, 18, at Symonds Event Bars, said: ‘He’s my grandma’s favorite and now I’ve met him.

The teen from Hereford said: ‘I’ve just finished my exams and I’m now on a gap year and Jamie has inspired me! He gave us time and even posed for a picture.’

Celebrities have joined the public in support of the chef, with Dermot O’Leary, Carol Voderman and Denisr van Outen wishing him well.

The star’s rant about a clogged drain in his home has been exposed in shocking leaked audio, relayed to The Sun by a disgruntled former producer whistleblower.