ITV’s Weekend Highlights: From James Martin to FIFA 2026
This Saturday, ITV offers a packed slate from early‑morning culinary adventures to late‑night football battles. Below, we sift the line‑up to find what’s worth your time, broken down by genre, age‑group and personal taste.
Cooking & Travel – The James Martin Collection
James Martin’s Saturday Morning (08:30‑11:05) – a 2½‑hour feast featuring James Martin, singer‑songwriter Jack Savoretti and chefs Asma Khan, Jonny Lake and the Simpson‑Trotman duo. The show blends recipes with lively banter and a touch of countryside charm. For food lovers and those who enjoy a relaxed pace, it’s a reliable choice. My take: the chemistry between the chefs keeps the pace lively, though the length may feel indulgent for short‑sighted viewers.
James Martin’s Great British Adventure (05:35‑06:30) – a quick 55‑minute excursion to Lossiemouth where James fulfils a childhood dream and Nick Nairn takes a fitness test. Ideal for breakfast viewers who want a bite of travel without the commitment of a long show. I think it holds up well, offering a crisp look at Scottish cuisine and scenery.
Gardening & Home Make‑Overs
Love Your Garden (06:30‑07:25) – Alan Titchmarsh, David Domoney and Danny Clarke transform a Leicester plot into a Caribbean‑inspired paradise. For families with a green thumb or anyone looking for a feel‑good makeover, this 55‑minute episode is a solid pick. My view: the colourful aesthetic makes it engaging, though the pace may feel slow for those craving quicker tips.
Love Your Garden (West Brom Edition) (10:30‑11:20) – Alan and the crew create a wildlife wonderland for local hero Pete Hill. A heart‑warming segment that appeals to all ages. It’s a reliable choice for viewers who enjoy community stories.
Food & Sweet Treats
Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours (07:25‑08:25) – a 1‑hour episode where Ainsley explores sweet‑inspired dishes, samples a Maltese classic and shares chocolate cheesecake secrets with Ellie Simmonds. A treat for dessert lovers. Opinion: the episode’s pacing is steady, but the focus on sweets might not suit those seeking savory adventures.
News & Current Affairs
ITV News (08:25‑08:30, 12:10‑12:25, 17:40‑17:45, 21:35‑21:50, 22:35‑22:55) – five brief news slots covering national and international headlines, including live sports commentary. For anyone who wants up‑to‑date briefings, these are reliable but short.
Sports – Racing and Football
ITV Racing Live: Royal Ascot (12:25‑17:40) – a 5¼‑hour live broadcast of the final day of Royal Ascot 2026 featuring Francesca Cumani and Ed Chamberlin. A long‑form highlight for horse‑racing enthusiasts. My view: the extensive coverage keeps fans engaged, but the length may feel overwhelming for casual viewers.
FIFA WC2026: Germany v Côte d’Ivoire (19:00‑22:35) – a 3½‑hour live match in Toronto presented by Laura Woods with expert analysis from Duncan Ferguson, Gary Neville and Ian Wright. For football fans, especially those who enjoy match‑day commentary, this is one of the better options. I think it holds up well with a blend of play‑analysis and pre‑match build‑up.
Drama & Mystery
Midsomer Murders – The Curse of the Ninth (12:55‑14:50) – a 1¾‑hour episode where hunters Barnaby and Winter investigate a murder tied to a cursed classical music award. Perfect for mystery fans and older viewers who appreciate a slow‑burn plot. Opinion: the episode remains engaging, though the pacing may feel deliberate.
Game Shows & Competitions
Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals (14:50‑15:20) – a 30‑minute look back at the most thrilling end games of Tipping Point, featuring players and celebrities tackling the machine. For trivia lovers and fans of game show nostalgia, this is a reliable pick.
Classic Hollywood
Goldfinger (15:20‑17:30) – a 2¼‑hour classic Bond film featuring Sean Connery and Honor Blackman. Ideal for movie buffs and those who enjoy a dose of 1960s espionage. My opinion: the film holds up well, maintaining its iconic status.
Relaxation & Mindfulness
Unwind with ITV (02:50‑04:00, 04:00‑04:35) – a 1¼‑hour (and a 35‑minute) segment designed to calm the mind and encourage reflection. For anyone needing a mental break, this is a solid choice.
Late‑Night Entertainment
It’ll Be Alright on the Night (22:55‑23:25) – Tom Allen’s light‑hearted celebration of TV mishaps featuring Alexander Armstrong, Richard Ayoade and others. A reliable way to wind down after a busy evening.
Bottom Line
If you’re a culinary fan, start the day with James Martin’s Saturday Morning and then enjoy the sweet treats of Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours. For sports enthusiasts, the Royal Ascot and FIFA match are the highlights, while drama lovers will find Midsomer Murders and Goldfinger satisfying. The lineup offers something for every age group and interest, so pick your preference and enjoy the weekend.