The broadcaster has decided to bring another top telly chef on-board for a brand new series of the ‘Taste of’ programme.

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TV presenter Jimmy Doherty will be taking over from James Martin with a new show that sees him head across the pond to Florida.

Jimmy’s Taste of Florida consists of five episodes and will see him head to some of the State’s most incredible landscapes.

Kicking off next week on February 13, Jimmy shares food stories with an astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and races the fastest oyster shucker in the USA in Panama City Beach.

Jimmy visits a total 10 Florida locations, covering well-trodden favourites, such as Miami, Tampa, Universal Orlando, and lesser known areas including Anna Maria Island and St. Petersburg.

Speaking of landing the brand new daytime show, the TV star said: “I love the USA but didn’t know Florida well, so I jumped at the
chance to explore a favourite holiday destination for Brits through its food…and it didn’t disappoint!

“From boiled peanuts to Michelin-starred fine dining and everything in between, Florida has a great food story to tell.

“I’m a cook rather than a chef, so I was on the lookout for simple, accessible, easy dishes that anyone can have a go at, and of course, I met some great characters along the way too!”

His appointment comes after resident ITV chef James Martin took a step back from hosting after revealing his health woes.

James revealed last summer that he had an operation in 2018 to remove facial cancer.

At a live show in November, he revealed his plans to take a break from TV amid a difficult time for the star.

According to The Mirror, James told the crowd at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall: “On a personal note, I just wanted to say thank you for 30 years of television.

“For me personally, I’ve been through a lot of s*** with cancer but I’m getting sorted at the end of next month.

“I will be back fighting at the end of February but I’m going on a little bit of a break to get that sorted.”

In July, the This Morning resident chef revealed his cancer battle after finding himself at the centre of shock bullying claims.

Apologising, James admitted that the end of 2017 was “one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life”.

Watch Jimmy’s Taste Florida on ITV from 12th February 2024 at 14:00 or watch on demand on ITVX.

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