Latest news with #EscapeToTheCountry
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Escape To The Country guest breaks down in tears as stunned BBC host scrambles to apologise for 'upsetting her' outside property
An Escape To The Country guest broke down in tears as stunned BBC host Steve Brown scrambled to apologise for 'upsetting her' during a recent episode of the show. The instalment saw Jane and her daughter Bella asked for help from the property expert in a bid to find Jane a dream home in Devon. Jane decided that she wanted to move from her current home in Henfield, West Sussex, and head back to county in the southwest of England after growing up there. She explained that she had outgrown her current pad and had a maximum budget of £425,000 for a minimum of two bedrooms, an office, a small garden, a parking space, located near a large village and church. Before heading to to their next property in the episode, the trio stopped by Teignmouth seafront to catch up and talk about Jane and her reason to come back home. Steve said: 'Dare I say it, your mum, I think, moving down here, doing it on her own, is very, very brave.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The instalment saw Jane and her daughter Bella enquire help from the property expert in a bid to find Jane a dream home in Devon Bella replied: 'I think having the painful slog of raising me and my sister probably made her strong enough that moving down here it's a quick one! 'The main thing is packing, that's the worst bit! Hate packing!' Steve asked her: 'Is this a big leap for you that you just take in your stride? Because not many people just decide...' Before the host could finish his question, Jane wiped away a tear from her face and Steve continued: 'Sorry I don't mean to upset you!' Jane told him: 'No! No you haven't.' 'I hope this is pride that we're talking about here,' Steve said. Jane explained: 'It's hearing what Bella's saying.' Bella joked: 'Sorry I'll say horrible things now.' Jane told Steve: 'It's a fresh start. I'm looking for something new, and a new adventure and a new chapter. 'I just turned 60, now's the time to do it.' Steve asked: 'Has today cemented it for you?' to which she said: 'Definitely.' He added: 'I'm so pleased to be part of this with you.' It's not the first time recently that there were tears involved in the programme. A buyer broke got very emotional after 'having a hard time' with her doomed property search during the most recent episode of the BBC show. Property expert Ginny Buckley returned to our screens to help couple Debs and Colin find their dream property on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. The pair - who had lived in Caterham, Surrey, for 29 years - tried to find their perfect home seven years ago, but it didn't work out, and only now were they ready to try again. Ginny took them to Norfolk end to the village of Forncett End, near a market town of Wymondham. The thatched cottage, costing £500,000, boasted a kitchen, breakfast room, two reception rooms, three bedrooms and a workshop. And they certainly liked the look of what they saw. Colin said: 'That is full-on Escape To The Country character, isn't it?' Debs added: 'It's beautiful. It is really pretty. I love it.' Just moments later she got very emotional and said: 'Oh it's making me - a bit - cry...' A shocked Ginny asked: 'Oh why? What? What's making you?' 'I don't know,' Debs replied. It's just making me a bit, like, emotional. It is so pretty. So pretty.'
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Escape to the Country's Alistair Appleton gushes over 'beautiful' husband in rare post
Escape to the Country's Alistair Appleton gushes over 'beautiful' husband in rare post Escape to the Country presenter Alistair Appleton has been a fixture on the BBC show since 2007 and the TV host is also a qualified psychotherapist and has opened up about his tough times Escape to the Country host Alistair Appleton excited viewers by unveiling seldom-seen pictures of his partner. A stalwart of the series since 2007, the TV presenter has stolen the hearts of the audience, sharing the screen with colleagues such as Ginny Buckley and Nicki Chapman while tackling arduous missions to find participants the perfect countryside idyll. A native of Hampshire, Alistair, who is now 55, concluded his studies at the University of Cambridge with a respectable 2:1 in English Literature. Post-graduation, he ventured to Poland where he taught at the University of Gdansk, subsequently moving to Germany to kick off his media career at Deutsche Welle, working there as a translator and reporter. The presenter shared a rare snap of his partner online (Image: (Image: BBC) ) As he flourished on Escape To The Country, Alistair pursued further education and attained an MA in Advanced Psychotherapy from the Minster Centre in London in 2014. Article continues below Reflecting on his choices in a Hampshire Life magazine interview in 2012, he admitted: "I loved that work so much that I started to get a bit disenchanted with all the crazy schedules of TV filming and I decided five years ago to re-train as a psychotherapist." He spoke glowingly about pivotal decisions in his life, noting: "That was the best decision of my life and I think I've hit my 40s in much better shape than I hit my 30s," as reported by MyLondon. Alistair has nestled into an idyllic way of life in a quaint Sussex cottage, sharing the space with his husband Daniel Martin, who's carving out a name for himself as a potter. Alistair gushed over his husband (Image: BBC/Escape To The Country ) Alistair took to social platforms to share his admiration for Daniel's craft, proudly referring to him as his "beautiful husband" and expressing excitement for Daniel's debut at a pottery fair, reports the Mirror. He shared his partner's strides with followers, posting: "So proud of my beautiful husband.@thepilgrimpotter This weekend is his first pottery fair. At the prestigious @townergallery no less this weekend! After a mad rush with lots of explosions and triumphs- he's here!! And it looks stunning. #townergallery." The reaction from supporters was swift, with one saying, "Wow, Daniel, just WOW, beautiful!" while another expressed, "The lamp bases are amazing and if I were near that location, those babies would be going home with me!!" A third chimed in with, "It all looks amazing and he looks so proud too! love it all!" Living peacefully, the pair offer complimentary yoga and meditation sessions online, a generous act that Alistair has highlighted on his own website as their contribution to spreading positivity amid tough times, extending an invitation to all: "My husband Daniel, a yoga teacher, and I are offering free meditation and yoga to keep us grounded and happy during these extraordinary times. All welcome." Alistair couldn't hide his pride for Daniel's work, gushing over his "beautiful husband" (Image: Instagram ) In an intimate declaration, Alistair expressed his bliss and gratitude for the love he shares with his husband Daniel, detailing their life at a charming 1930s French sea captain's cottage in Newhaven, alongside their substantial canine companion, Ben. He said: "I am lucky to have found love and have a very understanding and supportive husband, Daniel... We're currently in a 1930s French sea captain's cottage in the port of Newhaven. And we live there with our very big dog Ben." Alistair's noteworthy net worth, which is rumoured to be in the range of £2-3 million, is attributed to his successful tenure in television paired with his expertise as a psychotherapist. Despite this professional success, Alistair has opened up about encountering challenging periods, especially during his early 30s, revealing that he felt, "pretty unhappy". Alistair has been a fixture on the show since 2007 While crafting a public image, Alistair has not shied away from discussing his private struggles, including issues with substance dependency and overindulgence in the club scene, topics he addresses on his blog, "I was drinking a lot, doing a lot of drugs, going out a lot," he said. In his 2019 blog entry, Alistair laid bare the realisations of how disconnected and empty he had become in his youth: "I realised how fossilised and dead-souled I'd become in my 20s". Further reflecting on his past ambitions in a separate blog post, he remarked: "You know, in my 20s all I wanted to be was a famous TV presenter, and by the time I turned 30 I was already seeing that was a very dangerous path for me because I knew that it would just mean more anxiety, more laying value on external looks." Article continues below Escape to the Country airs weekdays at 3pm on BBC One.
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman left gobsmacked by 'brilliant' feature
BBC Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman left gobsmacked by 'brilliant' feature Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman was left gobsmacked by a 'brilliant' feature which she said was 'a first' as she helped a guest search for her dream house. During the latest episode of Escape to the Country, presenter Nicki Chapman was taken aback in a delightful segment of the BBC programme. In the Tuesday afternoon show, viewers met Polly, seeking to move to Wiltshire with her young daughter, Jenna. Polly was on the lookout for a three-bedroom house with a garden, backed by a budget of £450,000. While exploring the first property in Maiden Bradley alongside her mum Mary, both were charmed by the house even before entering, as Nicki ventured off. The BBC personality shared with the audience that she was off to explore one of the village's 'intriguing features'. Nicki was thrilled by the discovery in the local village Article continues below She revealed: "So, this is a first for me. A fresh-milk vending machine. I'm going to get a litre of fresh milk, ready?" She then demonstrated using the milk vending machine, inserting her glass bottle and observing it fill up, reports Gloucestershire Live. With a look of surprise on her face while addressing the camera, Nicki exclaimed: "Who knew you could get so excited getting fresh milk?" She further highlighted: "This is a lifeline for the local villagers. You've got fresh milk, you can also get cheese and butter. It's such a brilliant idea!" BBC Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman left gobsmacked by 'brilliant' feature Upon viewing the cottage with Nicki, Polly couldn't hide her delight. She commented: "Oh, that is so adorable! I did not think I would be able to afford something this pretty, to be honest." Her mother Mary concurred, adding: "It's just perfect." She explained she could envision them all together in the garden in chairs soaking up the sun. Upon discovering the asking price was at the top of her budget, Polly was informed by the BBC host that the owner was willing to consider negotiations. As the episode drew to a close, Nicki expressed curiosity about Polly's next steps. Polly confessed that her property search had been an emotional rollercoaster, but one house had captured her heart. Polly was blown away by the first home she saw The second property, located in Ludwell, was deemed too small for her and her daughter, while the mystery Trowbridge property failed to meet her expectations. As she deliberated, Polly shared her concerns, commenting: "I don't want to have to move again and again, and I really want a future-proof house." Polly highlighted that the first home offered a financial safety net due to its potential for renting out the garden space, an opportunity its current owners had capitalised on. In the end, viewers were updated on Polly's decision - she had revisited the property and submitted an offer; however, progress was contingent on the sale of her London flat. Article continues below Escape to the Country is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Escape To The Country fans go wild over Alistair Appleton's rare pic of husband
BBC Escape to the Country presenter Alistair Appleton has been a mainstay on the show since 2007 and has a successful career as a psychotherapist away from the cameras Escape to the Country presenter thrilled fans by sharing rare snaps of his husband. The telly host, who has been a fixture on the show since 2007, is adored by viewers and shares presenting duties with the likes of Ginny Buckley and Nicki Chapman as they juggle tough challenges in finding people their dream retreat. Born and bred in Hampshire, Alistair, now 55, graduated from the University of Cambridge with a 2:1 in English Literature. After university, he moved to Poland to teach at the University of Gdansk before relocating to Germany where he launched his broadcasting career with Deutsche Welle as a translator and journalist. As his television career blossomed on Escape To The Country, Alistair earned an MA in Advanced Psychotherapy at the Minster Centre in London in 2014. In a chat with Hampshire Life magazine in 2012, he confessed: "I loved that work so much that I started to get a bit disenchanted with all the crazy schedules of TV filming and I decided five years ago to re-train as a psychotherapist." He was effusive about his life decisions, stating: "That was the best decision of my life and I think I've hit my 40s in much better shape than I hit my 30s," according to MyLondon. Alistair has found his idyllic retreat in a cosy Sussex cottage, where he now resides with his husband Daniel Martin, who is earning acclaim as a potter. On social media, Alistair couldn't hide his pride for Daniel's work, gushing over his "beautiful husband" and celebrating Daniel's participation in his first pottery fair. He shared a snapshot of his partner's success with followers: "So proud of my beautiful husband.@thepilgrimpotter This weekend is his first pottery fair. At the prestigious @townergallery no less. this weekend! After a mad rush with lots of explosions and triumphs - he's here! ! And it looks stunning. #townergallery." Fans were quick to respond with one saying: "Wow, Daniel, just WOW, beautiful !!!" with another commenting: "The lamp bases are amazing and if I were near that location, those babies would be going home with me!!" A third added: "It all looks amazing and he looks so proud too! love it all!" Embracing a serene lifestyle, the couple offers free yoga and meditation sessions online – an initiative that Alistair mentions on his personal website as their way of contributing positivity during these challenging times, with an open invitation to everyone interested: "My husband Daniel, a yoga teacher, and I are offering free meditation and yoga to keep us grounded and happy during these extraordinary times. All welcome." In a heartfelt reveal, Alistair shared his joy and appreciation for having found love with Daniel, describing their life together in a 1930s French sea captain's cottage in Newhaven shared with their large dog, Ben: "I am lucky to have found love and have a very understanding and supportive husband, Daniel... We're currently in a 1930s French sea captain's cottage in the port of Newhaven. And we live there with our very big dog Ben." A celebrated career in television and his expertise as a psychotherapist contribute to Alistair's impressive net worth – speculations point to a fortune between £2-3 million. Despite professional fulfilment, Alistair once confessed to enduring darker times, particularly in his early 30s, saying he was: "pretty unhappy". While maintaining a public persona, Alistair has also been candid about personal trials, including substance abuse and nightlife excesses, which he discusses on his blog, "I was drinking a lot, doing a lot of drugs, going out a lot." Alistair revealed his struggles in a 2019 blog post, stating: "I realised how fossilised and dead-souled I'd become in my 20s". In a separate post, he reflected on his earlier ambitions, saying: "You know, in my 20s all I wanted to be was a famous TV presenter, and by the time I turned 30 I was already seeing that was a very dangerous path for me because I knew that it would just mean more anxiety, more laying value on external looks."
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Escape To The Country buyer bursts into tears after 'falling in love' during property viewing - before baffling U-turn
A buyer on Escape To The Country burst into tears after 'falling in love' during a property viewing, before a baffling U-turn. Tuesday's instalment of the BBC house-hunting show saw Joey ask property expert Alistair Appleton for help. Joey, who works in customer service for a major airline, hoped to find an idyllic countryside home in Wiltshire and move out of her small flat near Heathrow Airport as she approaches retirement. She explained, 'I've decided I want to move onto pastures new. Have a bit of greenery in my life.' Accompanied by her friend, Susan, during her search, Joey had a budget of £260,000 for a two-bedroom home with a garden and a two-hour commute from the airport. When Alistair showed Joey the very first property, an hour and 35 minutes away from her workplace, she was immediately taken. Accompanied by her friend, Susan, right, during her search, Joey had a budget of £260,000 for a two bedroom home with a garden and a two hour commute from the airport When Alistair showed Joey the very first property, an hour and 35 minutes away from her workplace, she was immediately taken 'Well straight away I really like it, it's a perfect size,' Joey gushed about the 19th Century cottage. She commented on the 'perfect size' of the kitchen, but when she entered the living room which featured a characterful fireplace and wooden floors, Joey broke down in tears. Susan explained: 'This is just what she's been imagining for years and years.' Joey agreed and added: 'It's so cosy isn't it, it's what I've been looking for. This is really really nice.' 'I just think this is Joey's dream,' Susan said. Alistair revealed the asking price was £220,000, putting it £40,000 under budget. Joey was overcome with emotion again and wiped away tears before continuing the tour. However, even though Joey felt so strongly about the property, at the end of the episode she didn't make an offer and instead decided to continue searching. However, even though Joey felt so strongly about the property, at the end of the episode she didn't make an offer and instead decided to continue searching In a previous instalment, married couple Steve and Mark had lived in Winsford, Cheshire for eight years and wanted to make the move to Cumbria. Presenter Denise Nurse was given the job of finding them their dream home in the 'their favourite holiday spots' but was provided with an extensive list of requirements. The host revealed the list of requirements was 'bigger than anything I've ever seen on Escape'. When Denise met with Steve and Mark, she jokingly pulled out a long, paper list of all of their wants and needs.
