James Martin reveals secret health battle making ITV role 'really difficult'

Broadcaster opens up about chronic illness

James Martin has revealed that he has been battling a secret health condition for a number of years.

The celebrity chef, 50, said the condition, which he has not disclosed, has made it "really difficult at times" to continue in his role on ITV's This Morning.

Martin, who has fronted the show since 2007, said he has been suffering from the condition for "a long time".

'It's been really difficult'

"It's been really difficult at times," he said.

"It would make me feel really tired and it would make me feel really sick. It would affect my balance. It would affect my speech. It would affect my vision."

Martin said he has been able to manage his condition with medication and lifestyle changes.

"I've been able to manage it with medication and lifestyle changes," he said.

"I'm not going to go into details about it, but I've been able to manage it and I'm grateful for that.

Martin added that he is "still here" and is determined to continue working on This Morning.

"I'm still here," he said. "I'm still doing the show. I'm still cooking. I'm still enjoying life.

"I've got a great team around me and they're very supportive. I'm very grateful for that."