James Martin will hunt for the UK's best fish and chip shop for a new ITV show.

James Martin

James Martin

The former 'Saturday Kitchen' host will be researching "the greatest meal in the world", and he can't wait to get started by trying some of the tastiest takes on one of Britain's signature dishes.

He told The Sun's Bizarre TV column: "I suggested it to the wonderful girls in charge of commissioning at ITV and they said it would be brilliant.

"There's going to be some tough competition. You've got the Magpie in Grimsby, near where I'm from, and there are loads of great ones all over the country.

"What could be better than researching the greatest meal in the world?"

Despite teasing that project, the TV chef also played down any plans for him to take over from Matt LeBlanc once the 'Friends' petrolhead moves on from 'Top Gear'.

He added: "Look, I am a car lover, I love my cars but there's been no phone call. And if there was a phone call? I would answer it, that's all I'm going to tell you."

The motoring fanatic previously admitted he would be delighted to take on the role, and joked he was so confident the offer would come that he would put a bet on himself.

Earlier this month, he said: "I went past Paddy Power the other day and I'm 6/1. I've got to put a bet on myself, to be honest.

"In fact, I may have even put £100 on myself.

"But I've got no idea about whether I'll get it.

"'Top Gear' is an iconic show and I'm a car fanatic. I've got several more strings to my bow than I had two years ago when it was last talked about."