Countryfile

A former Strictly Come Dancing contestant has said they want to return to the BBC show

Anita Rani, the Countryfile star and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has confessed she’ll “never get over” her time on the dance show. The 48 year old telly favourite took part in the BBC competition a decade ago, narrowly missing out on the final by just two weeks.

She was partnered with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko during her stint on the show, which saw The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness and his partner Aliona Vilani take home the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

Soap stars Georgia May Foote of Coronation Street and EastEnders‘ Kellie Bright were the runners-up that year. However, Anita is still convinced she was “robbed” of a place in the final alongside Aliona.

In a chat with The Sun’s TV Magazine, she revealed: “I wish I could do it again – I think they should bring back ‘the robbed’! I’ll never get over it, I should have got to the final.”

During the semi-final, Anita found herself in the dreaded dance-off against BBC presenter Katie Derham. Despite giving it her all, it was Katie and her partner Anton Du Beke who progressed to the grand finale, reports Wales Online.

Anita confessed that she used to turn down reality shows like Strictly, but has recently decided to say “yes” if the “offer arise”. Since then, she’s appeared on popular programmes such as Celebrity Gogglebox, The Chase, and Blankety Blank.

She even hinted that she’d consider joining the cast of Celebrity Traitors if the BBC decides to commission a second series. Meanwhile, Anita and her dad Bal are gearing up for their appearance on Celebrity Race Across the World.

She added: “I used to say no to other reality shows, but now I’m like: ‘If an offer arises, why not?’ The Traitors, I’m A Celeb… But I’ll tell you what me and Dad want to do next – Antiques Road Trip. Let’s put that out there!”.

Before taking part in the travel programme, Anita confessed she wanted her father to enjoy “an adventure”.

She told the BBC: “We get on, he makes me laugh and if I ever want help in making a decision, dad’s the person I call.

“Also, I want dad to have the experience. It’s about my dad having an adventure – he’s never had one before. I think we’re competitive, but I think we’re just really keen to have an amazing experience and give it our best shot.”

The Woman’s Hour presenter reveals she’s currently in a “new era” following the “confirmation” of her fresh romance with partner Alex Lavery.

This comes two years following her separation from spouse Bhupi Rehal. The former pair had been wed for 14 years before they ended their marriage.

Following their break-up, she revealed to Love Sunday Magazine: “‘Life is good, I’m in a good place. I’m focusing on myself and my own wants.

“It’s nice to be able to think about the second phase of my life. I’ve been calling it Chapter Two.”

Broadway has been dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ thanks to its charming architecture and uncrowded streets. Here’s everything you need to know

The ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds ‘, a village in Worcestershire, has been lauded for its “beautiful” and “unspoilt” charm.

Broadway, particularly popular during the summer, is being promoted as an ideal spot to visit during the colder months, offering a unique winter allure. In fact, BBC’s Countryfile named it one of the top winter holiday destinations in the UK.

Situated beneath Fish Hill and just a two-hour drive from central London, Broadway invites visitors to leisurely stroll along its high street, taking in the local pubs, shops and cafes before venturing into the Cotswold hills.

Tourists can appreciate the historic buildings lining the high street before exploring some of the village’s attractions. The Design Museum, housed in Gordon Russell’s original grade-listed workshop, showcases the work of the renowned furniture designer.

According to the village’s official website, other notable creatives linked to the area include William Morris, John Singer Sargent, and Mary Anderson, reports Gloucestershire Live.

A key attraction is the Broadway Tower, nestled within a 50-acre parkland estate. It provides stunning views over the landscape, and on a clear day, visitors can see across 16 counties.

Additionally, the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, situated in a charming 17th-century building, offers guests the opportunity to delve into the village’s intriguing history.

Animal enthusiasts will find the Cotswold Farm Park just a 20-minute drive away from Broadway.

Visitors can get up close with over 50 rare breeds, cuddle chicks or pet rabbits, providing an excellent family outing.

Holiday-makers have showered the village with glowing reviews, praising its picturesque architecture and range of attractions.

One guest shared on TripAdvisor: “Just beautiful, lots of shops and places to eat and drink. Best visited out of season so you can appreciate the buildings and old world charm.”

Another said: “The Broadway High Street just oozes Cotswold charm. It has a village green and is lined with historic buildings and honey-coloured houses with thatched roofs. Many of the houses were built in the 17th century, and some of the buildings, like the Abbot’s Grange and the Prior’s Manse, date back to medieval times.”

A third described Broadway as a “beautiful village”, noting: “Other Villages around aren’t a patch on this place. Plenty of shops to visit, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms.”

Meanwhile, another said: “Amazing Village in the Cotswolds. Been coming here for years when nearby. There is something for everyone and a very dog friendly place. Lovely food places and never struggled with parking.”

Adam Henson has launched two cabins for the public to stay in at his farm

Fans of BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson have a unique chance to spend the night at his farm park in the Cotswolds. The celebrity, who lives at the much-loved 650-hectare Cotswold Farm Park with his wife Charlie, has unveiled two new luxury cabins for guests.

These additions enhance the existing accommodation options, which include hot tub cabins and snug lodges. Situated approximately five miles from the tourist hotspot of Bourton-on-the-Water, the farm park now provides more choices for those considering an overnight stay to fully enjoy all it has to offer. Each cabin can house four guests and bookings are open from now until October 31.

Reservations for the new Ash and Oak cabins are priced at £195 per night. Ash Cabin boasts two double beds, while Oak Cabin features one double bed and a bunk bed with two singles.

An exclusive offer from Cotswold Farm Park Holidays might make the proposition even more appealing. A discount of 25 per cent will be applied to all new bookings made before September 30, according to Birmingham Live.

To avail of the savings, bookers need to use the code AUTUMNESCAPE. Included in the cost of the stay is free entry to the farm park. These opulent cabins come fully kitted out to accommodate either a group of four or a family, featuring bathrooms with rainfall showers, basins, toilets, and electric towel warmers.

The living space is complete with a dining area, tv, and sofa, while the kitchen boasts a fridge, toaster, kettle, two-ring electric hob, oven, and coffee maker. The accommodation is perfect for a break in the picturesque Cotswolds.

This move comes on the heels of the 59-year-old celebrity’s announcement earlier this year about his departure from his Cotswolds farm. Adam divulged that he and Charlie had opted to shift to a nearby bungalow after taking over the farm established by his father, Joe, in 1971.

It appears that Adam’s children have decided against following in their father’s farming footsteps, leading the TV star to transition away from the beloved family homestead in Gloucestershire.

In conversation with the Express about the legacy of the Cotswolds farm, he commented: “My dad was ahead of his time by opening a farm for people to come and visit, bottle-feed a lamb or hold a chick.”

Despite Adam’s deep-seated love for wildlife, which stems from his childhood, it seems this passion hasn’t been inherited by his children, as the presenter acknowledges that the agricultural lifestyle hasn’t enthralled his offspring. He elaborated: “Sure, they can lamb a sheep and drive a tractor, but my daughter lives in Perth as an events organiser and my son is a financial advisor in Leeds.”

BBC Countryfile viewers were left unimpressed as the show dedicated an episode to The Archers, with one person spotting a huge blunder as they took to social media.

During the latest episode of BBC’s Countryfile, Matt Baker and Charlotte Smith ventured to a charming Worcestershire village called Inkberrow.

The location served as inspiration for the enduring BBC radio soap, The Archers, which launched in the 1950s and is based in the fictional village of Ambridge.

From the programme’s opening, it was evident Charlotte was absolutely thrilled with the special episode, as her co-presenter Matt, who recently provided fans with an update, revealed she’s a devoted follower.

Whilst seated outdoors at a pub clutching two pints, Matt informed viewers: “Oh, we’re making Charlotte’s dreams come true today!”

Following a celebratory toast with their beverages, Charlotte responded: “Now, for me, we are in the centre of the known fictional universe, the Bull at Ambridge.”

Matt continued: “This is home to the Archers and Charlotte is a massive fan.”

Throughout the programme, the BBC presenter revealed to audiences she’s been following the radio soap for 30 years and adores it, reports the Express.

She continued: “I’m not alone! Millions of people tune in every day for agricultural escapism.”

As the show progressed, Charlotte chose to attempt cricket, one of the primary sports featured within the BBC radio soap.

Donning a jersey from the fictional village squad, it appeared the BBC presenter astonished herself, having never participated in the sport previously.

Following her admission that she’d never wielded a bat before, Charlotte remarked: “I think I might be taking up cricket!”

As the episode concluded, she informed viewers that they could tune into BBC Radio 4 to listen to The Archers, featuring a familiar voice, as she was making an appearance in the episode.

However, it didn’t take long for viewers to share their thoughts on the episode, with one eagle-eyed fan spotting a significant scheduling error.

Taking to social media, they penned: “So #Countryfile have an #thearchers themed episode tonight, which is a lovely idea. However it doesn’t finish until 7.15pm so clashes with an actual episode of The Archers! I wish someone at the BBC had thought about the scheduling a bit more.”

One disgruntled viewer remarked: “BBC #countryfile promoting BBC #thearchers – you couldn’t make it up.”

Another chimed in: “I think I’d rather watch a repeat of the episode where they discuss photographs.”

Another viewer added: “#Countryfile really needs to take a break and come up with some relevant material @bbcone.”

Countryfile can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.

Countryfile star John Craven is a well-known face on TV, but the presenter is notoriously private about his personal life

Countryfile presenter John Craven has remained a television favourite for more than five decades since landing his breakthrough role hosting Newsround in 1972, the BBC’s dedicated children’s news programme.

Armed with his warming approach and natural passion for broadcasting, John has built a remarkable television career, including his stint presenting Countryfile from 1989.

Away from the cameras, John retreats to his Oxfordshire home, where he’s resided for many years. The broadcaster shares his life there with wife Marilyn, and the pair have been together for more than half a century.

The dedicated television personality is also a proud dad to two daughters and a loving grandfather to their offspring, reports the Express.

The duo are believed to have first crossed paths before 1970 whilst John was stationed at the BBC in Newcastle upon Tyne, with Marilyn working as a production secretary on Look North.

The couple have cultivated a solid relationship and deliberately keep their family life away from the public.

During a 2019 interview with the Daily Mail, John expressed his satisfaction with his present career path and dismissed any desire for celebrity events, declaring bluntly: “I have no need. My career isn’t faltering.”

Looking back on his enduring marriage to Marilyn, the broadcasting stalwart disclosed his formula for marital longevity.

He told the publication: “It helped that she worked in TV. She knew how it was.”

John continued: “We hadn’t been together that long when I was asked to move to Bristol and I wasn’t sure if she would say yes, but she did, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

“She keeps me grounded. She’s been my rock. Without being too soppy, she was always there for me, which is the main thing in my business because it can be precarious.”

Born in 1940, John, 85, originates from Leeds, Yorkshire and, after departing school at sixteen, began an apprenticeship at the Yorkshire Copperworks where his passion for journalism blossomed when he started writing for the company publication.

He was then catapulted to fame on Newsround during the 1970s, but at 85 years old, he displays no indication of slowing down and has previously mentioned that whilst he assumed he would have retired by now, he doesn’t wish to abandon doing what he adores just yet.

John voiced his concerns about being labelled a legend on BBC’s The One Show, declaring: “I don’t really like being called a legend because, yeah, I’m getting on a bit, but I still feel quite useful.”

When questioned by the host why he remains so popular with audiences, John responded: “I think it’s because I’m regarded as almost a friend.

“To this day, people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for being part of my childhood. Thanks for telling me what was happening in the world‘.”

The broadcaster, who recently celebrated 35 years presenting the documentary series, had previously revealed his desire to have his ashes scattered at his beloved Yorkshire spot, reports the Express.

He admitted: “Still one of my favourite places in the world is Wharfedale and Otley Chevin, where I used to cycle with my mates.

“I love the coast too, especially Whitby, though we had family holidays in Bridlington because I suspect it was a bit cheaper.

“I’d like to come home and have my ashes scattered in Yorkshire, maybe on the top of Otley Chevin,” he revealed to The Yorkshire Post back in 2019.

Countryfile is available for viewing on BBC One and iPlayer

Countryfile star Adam Henson has opened up about the support he has from family and friends and how, over the years, he has faced some challenges while running the farm

Adam Henson, known from BBC’s Countryfile, has candidly spoken out about the hurdles he’s encountered in both his professional and personal spheres.

While not on screen, Adam is hard at work managing his family farm in the Cotswolds, a legacy started by his father Joe back in 1971.

During an intimate chat with Reach PLC, Adam shared insight into the critical support provided by loved ones and friends, admitting that steering the farm has indeed presented numerous obstacles over time.

Further delving into his private life, Adam disclosed the tough period following his wife Charlie’s cancer diagnosis.

Adam conveyed his natural optimism, saying: “My characteristics are that I am an upbeat person, and I have got an incredibly supportive family, wife and children and people around me.,” reports Gloucestershire Live.

Speaking of his professional dealings, he said: “And within the business, I have got a business partner who I was at Agricultural College with and he is one of my closest friends and what we do is surround ourselves with people that are excellent within their own role in the business. Whether that is a manager or a farm manager, and we work really closely with the team and we are all very honest and open with one another.

“I have had some very difficult times in my life, both in business and personally. My wife was very ill a few years ago, my parents dying, and I lost a nephew.”

Sharing on how he’s coped with these trials, he noted: “We have gone through foot and mouth challenges, Covid, and we have had some tough times, but I’ve never had poor mental health because I’ve had that fantastic support system around me.”

In an emotional disclosure, Adam and his wife previously opened up about the tremendous impact that the cancer diagnosis had on their lives.

Back in 2021, the couple were confronted with the news they had been fearing when Charlie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Charlie confided to the Daily Mirror, expressing the shock they felt: “It was both barrels,” as she recounted the moment a significant tumour was discovered on her pancreas. “We knew people who’d died of pancreatic cancer, and I absolutely felt this was going to be the end of my life.”

Adam shared his own turmoil: “I felt physically sick,” while Charlie recalled the overwhelming confirmation of their worries, saying: “Our darkest fears were confirmed. Adam had to practically carry me down the corridor. My legs were like jelly.”

The couple sought help from one of the nation’s top specialists, leading to Charlie being slated for a risky surgery, with the outcome hanging in the balance.

On the day, Adam described the emotionally charged atmosphere: “There were a lot of tears and a lot of emotion in the room.”

The family then travelled to London for Charlie’s painstaking procedure, during which she prepared for the worst by penning final letters to Adam, their kids, and her siblings.

However, two years on from those heart-wrenching times, Charlie has made steps towards normality, working part-time and living in anticipation of her six-monthly scans.

Countryfile is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Countryfile’s Adam Henson has opened up on the ‘difficult times’ he has faced away from the BBC show

Countryfile’s Adam Henson has candidly shared his struggles with “difficult times” and family woes.

Behind the scenes, Adam tends to a Cotswolds farm founded by his father Joe in 1971, where he’s faced hard choices and significant losses.

Adam, despite a robust circle of support, stresses the need to highlight mental health concerns within the farming community.

In an exclusive chat with Reach PLC, Adam confessed: “My characteristics are that I am an upbeat person, and I have got an incredibly supportive family, wife and children and people around me.”

On the professional front, he divulged: “And within the business, I have got a business partner who I was at Agricultural College with, and he is one of my closest friends, and what we do is surround ourselves with people that are excellent within their own role in the business”, reports Wales Online.

He added about his team dynamics: “Whether that is a manager or a farm manager, we work really closely with the team, and we are all very honest and open with one another.”

Reflecting on some particularly tough periods, Adam revealed: “I have had some very difficult times in my life, both in business and personally. My wife was very ill a few years ago, my parents dying, and I lost a nephew.

“We have gone through foot and mouth challenges, Covid, and we have had some tough times, but I’ve never had poor mental health because I’ve had that fantastic support system around me.”

Adam is well-known for sharing the ups and downs of his farming life in Gloucestershire with his social media audience.

In one of his latest online updates, Adam shared a touching moment from the farm. In the post, he jubilantly declares, “We’ve just had another new arrival on the farm. One of our Gloucester cows has given birth.”

The footage then reveals the heartwarming scene of the cow alongside her newborn calf as Adam appreciatively says, “There she is. That’s Holly and her beautiful little calf.”

Concluding his heartfelt post, Adam praises the efforts of the cow with an affectionate: “What a clever girl.”

Admirers flocked to the comments section, with one person expressing their awe by stating “Just beautiful,” while another kept it brief with the word, “Lovely.”

The charming newborn also attracted warm sentiments, with someone calling it a “Sweet baby”.

Countryfile airs Sundays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.