James Martin admits that his weight is a 'big issue' for his mum - and explains why he’ll never go vegan

James Martin appeared on yesterday's episode of Loose Women, to chat about his ITV show and newly released cookbook.

But whilst speaking to the panellists, talked turned to James' physical appearance, when Janet Street-Porter asked if his mother is ever critical of his looks whilst on screen.

James, responded, "100%, hence I'm wearing a jacket!", before Janet went on to ask if she's ever been critical of his weight.

The 46-year-old TV chef confessed that that's something his mum has always had an issue with - and especially now, in the age of high-definition TV.

He admitted, "Weight is quite a big issue. Now she's got a big TV. It never used to be a problem when she had a little TV. It's all relative. HD is horrific."

He went on, confessing, "I've never been a little lad. I'm 6ft 4 and 18 stone. That's the way I am."

As James was speaking, photos of himself from the 70s were shown on screen, leaving the chef to confess, "I was a bit thinner then."

However, it seems that the popular cook couldn't be less bothered about his appearance, admitting in a recent interview with The Independent that for the first time since leaving Saturday Kitchen, he feels totally content in life.

He said, "For the first time in about a year, I feel content in my life. I feel I don’t have anything to prove, and I just feel happy. In terms of everything – what I'm doing, where I'm going and what I’ve got."

James also revealed that quitting the TV show for which he was most well known came with some unexpected freedoms.

"Afterwards, I just went on holiday," he shared. "I’d not been on holiday in about six years before then. When the show was on one day after I’d left, a friend text me and asked where I was, and I was in Disneyland!

" I did the stuff everyone else does, going to my mum’s and walking the dog."

The much-loved TV personality also spoke on some of the biggest food trends of the moment, confessing that while he respects people who follow a vegan diet, there's one reason he wouldn't do so himself.

"Veganism is only popular as the media keep going on about it! We don’t have enough produce in this country for everyone to be vegan.

"I’ve got no problem with vegan food, I cook it in the restaurant (and I cook meat) and there’s vegan recipes in the book. I respect all types of food."

And he went on say he'll always eat whatever he wants. "You might not be here tomorrow, so just enjoy it. I’m not going to live to 90 years old and just eat leeks. No. I enjoy my food, and get criticised for being too fat, but I don’t care."

James and Coleen Nolan shared a cuddle and it's safe to say the Loose Women star looked delighted!

A photograph of the pair snuggling up was shared on Loose Women's Instagram page and jealous fans were quick to comment with one person saying, 'My dream man' while another person said, 'move over Coleen he is my fav.'