Celebrity chef James Martin, who rose to prominence through the BBC's Saturday Kitchen, has succeeded in fulfilling some of his wildest ambitions courtesy of his stardom - mastering helicopter piloting and performing with his musical group, James Martin's Midnight Ramblers.

However, possessing a recognisable face also means certain activities are simply off-limits. "My other half is obsessed now with Greggs bacon sandwiches," he revealed on the Quiet Coach podcast.

"We now have to stop everywhere to get a Greggs bacon sandwich - but I went, 'I can't go in and get a Greggs!'" He highlighted that any TV chef joining the queue at Britain's bakery chain would undoubtedly be snapped and splashed across tomorrow's newspapers.

Despite his reluctance to be spotted endorsing the beloved high street bakery, James, 53, did satisfy his girlfriend's craving for bacon butties with a comprehensive taste comparison.

They sampled various well-known establishments but failed to reach consensus on a champion. "I said Pret won because it was properly buttered but she's like, no, Greggs is hers, because the bacon was a little bit sweaty. She likes sweaty bacon, but anyway. She does make the best bacon sandwiches in the world, but she's just the taste tester, and so, Greggs it is."

James has been in a relationship with 39-year-old personal trainer Kim Johnson for just over two years. Despite previously declaring he would never wed, he reportedly proposed at the close of last year.

Kim couldn't help but flaunt the £150,000 Land Rover Defender the James Martin's Saturday Morning host had gifted her alongside an engagement ring, posting on her Instagram story that she was "speechless.."

The engagement represented a remarkable change of heart for James, who maintained in 2019: "Marriage doesn't interest me in the slightest, mainly because I've catered for so many weddings, really.

"I admire people who do it, that's fine, but I'm quite happy. I don't need to spend 60 grand on a day, no, I'm more than happy thanks."

James reveals that Kim has not only captured his affections, she has also earned her place in his kitchen. He disclosed: "My girlfriend went on a Richard Bertinet course to learn how to make bread. She had a fantastic day and came back not only as a baker, but requesting I get a new electric mixer - so I did."

Culinary pursuits were always destined for James's path, he explains, acknowledging that he never excelled academically. "I left school with no qualifications," he confided to podcaster Mark Wogan.

"I'm not proud of it but I used to hate Wednesdays. Wednesday was a spelling test. I'd be in tears on a Wednesday night, I'd have 20,000 words to write because I knew that I would get every single one of them wrong."

He continued: "[I was a] massive dyslexic, never read a book in my life apart from I think Peter and Jane level B2 was probably the last one I read when I was at primary school. I just longed to be cooking and so hand in hand with being at school, I worked every weekend."

After his formal education came to an end, James undertook work experience in London before travelling to Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Émilion, France, to develop his culinary skills. He subsequently secured a position at the three-Michelin-star establishment Maison Troisgros in Roanne.

He made his way back to England to serve as a pastry chef at the Chewton Glen Hotel before ascending to head chef at Hotel du Vin aged just 22.

His initial television ventures included appearances on programmes such as Ready Steady Cook and The Big Breakfast, alongside presenting James Martin: Yorkshire's Finest.