'It's difficult': James Martin reveals secret off-camera health battle

James Martin has revealed he's been battling a secret health condition that has left him in 'a lot of pain'.

The TV chef, 50, has been suffering from a prolapsed disc in his back for the past 18 months, which has caused him severe pain in his leg and made it difficult to walk.

Martin spoke about his condition for the first time on his ITV show James Martin's Saturday Morning, saying: "It's difficult because I'm sort of hobbling around and I'm trying to look enthusiastic and happy and everything else.

"But actually I'm in a lot of pain and it takes a long time for it to settle down."

Martin said he has been having physiotherapy and acupuncture to try and relieve the pain, but admits that it may need surgery to correct.

"I've been having treatment for the past 18 months and it's not going away," he said.

"It might need surgery, but I'm hoping it doesn't come to that."

Martin's revelation comes after he was forced to pull out of a number of public appearances in recent months due to his health condition.

He said he is now determined to get back to full health as soon as possible.

"I'm not going to let it beat me," he said.

"I'm going to keep on fighting and hopefully I'll be back to full health soon."