James Martin’s ‘TV dad’ Brian Turner relies on chef while he ‘can’t be trusted’ in kitchen | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Chef Brian Turner CBE, 76, suffered a stroke in June 2022 which has left him with a speech impediment. Although he is now “a lot better” than he was, he still can’t be left alone in a kitchen.

In January, Brian returned to James Martin’s Saturday Morning for the first time since his stroke and was glad to have his longtime friend there for support.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Brian explained that he has known James, 50, since he was eight years old.

Eight years later, Brian judged James’ college diploma and when the young chef graduated, they met regularly in London.

Discussing the support he has received from James amid his health problems, Brian told us: “It was fantastic. I get emotional, James Martin has been an absolute brick.

“The whole hospitality family has been really, really supportive but James has particularly been strong and helpful.”

Recalling his return to Saturday Morning earlier this year, Brian continued: “It was helpful that James was there to help me, not to be trusted entirely on my own in the kitchen yet.

“But I am slowly but surely getting used to a kitchen.”

After the programme aired, James revealed that he and Brian had been left “in tears” by all the support the veteran chef had received.

James tweeted: “Wow, well what can we both say. Just had Brian on the phone, ended in both us in tears at the amazing messages and support from you all.

“He wanted me to tell you all out there ‘thank you’ for all of them!”

Brian has partnered with NHS England’s ‘Help Us, Help You’ Act F.A.S.T. campaign, which highlights that a stroke is a medical emergency and urges the public to call 999 immediately if they notice any single one of the signs of a stroke in themselves or others. 

The signs of stroke are: 

· Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? 

· Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there? 

· Speech – is their speech slurred? 

· Time – time to call 999 

As a part of the campaign, Brian and his agent were photographed by Getty’s Chris Jackson to reflect the significant life moments the stroke survivors have lived to celebrate since their stroke and spotlight the crucial role a stroke ‘saver’ can have in survival. 

You can find more information here.