James Martin has raised a glass in memory of all the friends he has lost over the past year. Taking to his social media pages on Wednesday, the celebrity chef - who has been working hard amid the ongoing pandemic - posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a black and white picture of a cigar and a bottle of wine.
He wrote: "To friends lost and this last 12 months I have lost many... thank you for making me a better person... RIP."
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The heartbreaking post came hours after he expressed his sadness over fellow chef and restaurateur Albert Roux's death.
"Such a sad start to the year... Albert Roux was a true titan of the food scene in this country and inspired and trained some of the best and biggest names in the business," he said. "RIP and today I will open a bottle of the finest red and raise a glass... in fact the bottle to you and your brother and say thank you for everything. My thoughts to all the Roux family and friends."
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Albert, the father of MasterChef star Michel Roux Jr., is best known for opening Le Gavroche in 1967, a restaurant which has been credited for changing the way Britons eat. He launched the restaurant with his younger Michel, who died last March aged 78.
© Photo: InstagramJames Martin posted this photo alongside his tribute
James' fans rushed to send heartfelt messages underneath his most recent post. One follower said: "What a lovely chap you are. Absolute credit to your mother! So down to earth in nature too - my family love watching your shows." Another remarked: "Sorry for your loss James. Fitting tribute."
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A third post read: "Enjoy the wine and cigar and raise a glass to absent friends and stay safe you and all your teams."
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