James Martin returned to ITV’s This Morning on Monday to stand in for the absent Phillip Schofield, but the celebrity chef wasn’t exactly an overwhelming hit with viewers.

The former Saturday Kitchen host was back to present the flagship daytime series with Holly Willoughby after making a nervy debut back in April.

With Phillip away on Monday due to filming commitments, a less than confident James took his place on the sofa.

Holly Willoughby and James Martin on This Morning (ITV/screengrab)
Holly Willoughby and James Martin on This Morning (ITV/screengrab)

“Second time – a little bit less nervous hopefully,” he said.

Holly reassured James by promising him the second time would be better. “I remember my first time I was literally in every break going ‘I’m going to vomit!’ but the second time is a bit easier,” she said.

During the live two-hour programme, which featured an interview with The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins, the 43-year-old chef didn’t always appear comfortable and he stumbled over his words on occasion.

This Morning's Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby (ITV)
This Morning’s Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby (ITV)

However, James admitted he was in his element at the very end of the show when he made some battered fish for Holly and showbiz reporter Rylan Clark-Neal.

This Morning viewers took to Twitter to have their say, but the reaction was mixed.

James was fab!

Stick to cooking, James