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Saturday Morning Kitchen star James Martin makes surprising career confession

James was talking on Loose Women

james martin dyslexia
Melanie Macleod
Wellness Editor
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James Martin appeared on Loose Women earlier this week to celebrate the launch of his latest book, Potato.

READ: How James Martin lost 5 stone in weight by eating butter

While chatting with hosts including Katie Piper and Ruth Langsford, James shocked the presenters by revealing he's never read any of the 34 cookery books he has written. The TV chef has a good reason, however, he's dyslexic.

WATCH: James Martin shares exciting news with fans

He shared his struggles with the Loose Women, saying he "cried his eyes out2 at times, not realising why he was struggling, before trying to read an autocue on This Morning, which helped him understand his dyslexia.

SEE: James Martin shares rare insight into countryside lifestyle with girlfriend Louise Davies

READ: James Martin's delicious Mediterranean-inspired meatballs with tomato sauce - recipe

"I failed all my exams at school, I've never read a book in my life," he went on to tell the Loose Women audience. "I've written 34 books but the way I do it is I dictate it."

James has admitted struggles with the autocue in the past, telling guests on his TV show: "A lot of this crew think I'm ignoring them, it’s mainly because I have trouble reading a script."

James Martin with Ruth Langsford and Katie Piper on Loose Women© Photo: Rex

James Martin shared his dyslexia troubles with Katie Piper and Ruth Langsford

Speaking on his struggles at school, James said: "I mainly failed because I'm severely dyslexic."

READ: James Martin shares regret about not getting married and having kids

James isn't the only TV presenter who is dyslexic; Holly Willoughby also struggles with reading, while Countryfile's Matt Baker credits his dyslexia with his unique presenting style.

James Martin with Ruth Langsford and Katie Piper on Loose Women© Photo: Rex

James Martin spoke about his new book Potato while on Loose Women

He explained that he found a font for autocues that made it easier for him to recognise the words and read, plus he picks out key words from the script and goes off-piste around them, which he feels makes him a better listener and presenter.

"My dyslexia has inadvertently gifted me with an interview style people seem to find relaxing," he said.

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