James Martin returned to ITV screens today, greeting James Buckley of The Inbetweeners fame in his renowned TV kitchen.

Alongside Buckley on James Martin's Saturday Morning was his spouse Clair Meek, who co-hosts the couple's cheeky podcast, In Sickness and in Health.

In a cosy and wholesome segment, James whipped up a beef and ale pie, boasting succulent slow-cooked beef drowned in a rich gravy of ale and red wine, all encased in crispy puff pastry. Alongside the pie, he dished up some irresistibly sweet carrots glaze with butter and star anise.

While Buckley eagerly eyeing the gastronomic wonder before him, he seemed to lose patience as hunger pangs set in, reports .

As the final touches were being put on the food, Martin noted: "Right, so we're just going to take our little pie. This is our pie with our beautiful filling..." He was then cut off by Buckley, who quipped: "You are doing that so slow, James."

Caught slightly off guard, Martin responded: "Sorry mate." However, Buckley confessed: "I'm so hungry, I can't wait for this. This looks absolutely amazing."

Emphasising presentation, Martin retorted: "We've got to make it look good!" He then clarified: "We've got to make it look good for TV, you see?"

Eventually, the mouth-watering meals were served to the eager couple as the crew showed their appreciation.

"There we have it, your first dish: meat pie and carrots," announced Martin, with both guests diving into the feast in no time.

Meek was brimming with excitement, right before Buckley tossed in a sly quip, revealing a common practice in television culinary programmes.

"You're not about to do that TV thing where we have a couple of bites and then you take it away from me, are you?" he queried with feigned naivety, prompting chuckles from chef Martin.

"No," responded Martin: "You're left with it but yeah, that's the puff pastry and everything else - super tasty."

He didnt stop there, assuring them this dish was merely "just the starter" and that they had "more coming" in store for later. Among the delicious creations Martin dished up on today's show were delectable Welsh Rarebit with Bacon and Chutney as well as his acclaimed 'Best Ever Bacon Butty'.

Progressing through the programme, Martin was also spotted whipping up his blackened rice with squid, defined by its 'rich, squid ink-infused rice, tender bits of squid, and an unexpected heart of garlic butter, all enclosed within a crunchy breadcrumb shell'.

A serving of roasted red pepper sauce and a spoonful of creme fraiche accompanied the dish, sending the guests soaring into culinary bliss.

James Martin's Saturday Morning airs every Saturday at 9.30am on ITV.