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Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT
Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT

Scottish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THEY had it all - fame, fortune and adoring fans. But instead of basking in the spotlight, these British stars packed it all in and bid the UK adieu. 20 This week fans were in awe after Noel Edmonds made a stunning return to showbiz Credit: PA 20 The star is now set to showcase his new life in an ITV show Credit: PA 20 Noel is one of the most recognisable faces in British telly Credit: Getty This week fans were left in awe when Noel Edmonds made his big return to showbiz after years away. The last time many saw him was on I'm A Celebrity in 2018, where he was the first star to be booted out of the camp. Now he's back with a brand new ITV show set to focus on his life in New Zealand. The 76-year-old moved there with his wife Liz in 2015. Speaking to The Sun about his triumphant return, he said: "People still ask, 'Noel Edmonds? Didn't he die? Is he still around?' Yes, I'm still here - and living life to the full." On his quiet life away from his TV and radio days, he added: "We have a beautiful home, and in the morning, we wake up to a view of the mountains. "The scenery here is magical. Even after six years, we'll go for a drive and still say: 'Wow'." But he's not the only one to quit fame for a dramatic lifestyle change. From the silver screen to sun-drenched solitude, a string of celebs have turned their backs on showbiz to embrace quiet, off-grid lives elsewhere. Whether it's swapping red carpets for rural cabins or luxury mansions for life among the locals, these former household names are proving there's life after the limelight. Charlotte Renovates A Commercial Kitchen For Her Wellness Retreat Tent life From 2006 to 2019, Jason Gardiner was known as the acid-tongued judge on Dancing On Ice who was not afraid to speak his mind. He infamously left his judging role in the wake of his clash with former contestant Gemma Collins, who he once compared to a "refrigerator". At the time, he said: "I went through some very dark times after it all played out and I realised I wasn't valued in any way, shape or form by ITV." 20 Jason Gardiner was one of the judges on Dancing on Ice before quitting Credit: Rex 20 The former TV star said he lived in a tent in Portugal after quitting Dancing On Ice Credit: Instagram 20 He took a sustainability course and taught families how to be more eco-friendly Credit: thejasongardiner/Instagram Jason, 53, then quit the UK for a life in Portugal, where he studied a biodiversity and sustainability course and began calling himself a 'Nomadic Permaculture Designer'. Speaking to the Mirror, he explained how he travelled to different homes to teach families how to be more eco-conscious. He also opened up about how he was happy to leave the glitz and glamour of his former life behind and live in a tent. "I have gone on many adventures, met the most amazing people and acquired the most amazing qualification," he said. "I have found a new life that isn't about the toxic environment of the TV industry. "My tenure on Dancing on Ice was always marred with controversy and lots of issues, but the problem is, I didn't realise how toxic it was until I left. "It took me a while to decompress from it, I'll be honest." Italian job 20 Kelly Brook was one of the most in-demand women in showbiz Credit: Instagram/iamkb 20 She has since spoken about enjoying her husband's farm in Italy after tying the knot in 2022 Credit: Instagram/iamkb When it comes to glamorous showbiz careers, very few can compare to Kelly Brook's time in the spotlight. From red carpets to TV and radio shows, the 45-year-old was one of the most in-demand women in the industry. However, in 2022, Kelly married longtime beau Jeremy Parisi and partially retreated from life in the limelight. After selling her £1.45million Kent home, she spoke about leaving the UK to enjoy their married life in Italy, her husband's home country. Discussing their "simplified lives" last year, Kelly, who still maintains her home in London, said: "He's got a little farmhouse in Italy that is in need of renovation. "It's an olive oil farm, so we will be getting involved and pressing olives and learning how to cook pizza. I'm learning Italian. "You get to meet the family, and there's some very colourful characters in there." 'High life' 20 Kelli Hollis is best known for her stint on Emmerdale as Ali Spencer, right Credit: Rex 20 She moved to Thailand, where she runs her own weed shop with her partner Credit: Kelli Hollis / La Choza After a stint on Emmerdale as Ali Spencer from 2011 to 2015, Kelli Hollis' character was killed off-screen in 2018. But the real shock came last year when fans learned about her surprising career change. She is now living in Thailand with her partner, Matt Dawson, where she runs her own cannabis bar - with no plans of coming back to the UK. Speaking about her new enterprise, she said: "I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned]. "But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products. "But that is not to be stoned. I promote ours for rest and for aches and pains for people who don't want to smoke, so I will have mine before bed." I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned] But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products Kelli Hollis On TikTok Kelli, 48, proudly shows off her business venture to her 270,000 followers. The bar flogs cannabis and marijuana products and boasts of also selling hash, joints and brownies. In 2023, she posted on TikTok, celebrating one year in Thailand with the caption: "Came for 4 months, now run a weed bar." Speaking about the move in an interview, Kelli said: "We'd been to Pattaya a few times on a holiday, we did a bit of island hopping and in June they legalised marijuana and we found this really cute little shop and got really good friends with the owner and decided to basically set up our own weed shop." She added: "I'll be honest, I've smoked weed since I was about 15, but I'm not a hard-core weed smoker. "I can't do full joints and edibles and all that, so it probably bodes well, or I'd probably smoke all the profits. "It's definitely not something I envisaged, but we've definitely made the right choice." S Club Prepper 20 Hannah Spearritt found fame in British pop group S Club 7 Credit: Getty - Contributor 20 Hannah Spearritt has given a glimpse into her new life in Costa Rica Credit: Instagram 20 She has quit the UK to become a 'prepper and survivalist' Last month former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt went public with her new life as a "survivalist and prepper" in the Costa Rican jungle. She relocated to the central American country with partner Adam Thomas and their daughters, aged three and five, back in January to start afresh after quitting the UK, having fallen in love with it during a trip in 2018. She'd previously admitted it was her dream to move there and buy some land or a farm and live "the simple life" with her kids. In her Instagram image caption she describes herself as: "Prepper, survivalist and creator now living the uninhibited jungle life." LA to Uruguay 20 Rhona Mitra moved to Uruguay after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease Credit: Rex 20 She now lives on a 400-acre farm where she rescues horses Credit: Instagram/iamrhonamitra 20 Rhona has spoken about how lonely it is on the farm Credit: Instagram/iamrhonamitra In 2023, British actress Rhona Mitra, 48, opened up about how she quit Hollywood to settle into a quiet life in Uruguay. The star, who grew up in West London, moved to the States after finding success in the American market. She was the first ever live-action Lara Croft in 1997, and also appeared in films such as Sweet Home Alabama and TV shows including Boston Legal. On Channel 5's Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild in 2023, she explained how she bought a 400-acre farm in Uruguay after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2012. After a two-year recovery period, where she stayed in a cabin, Rhona said she knew she couldn't go back to her Hollywood lifestyle. In the South American country, she built a home with horse manure, where she lives alone and carries out her passion of rescuing horses and other animals in poor condition. Explaining the loneliness it brings, she said: "It'd be easier if there were someone to share the burden with. "I think it's the thing that a lot of people say they want to be part of this life, but I'm not going to give this up. "There is no backtracking, I have to move forward and have somebody that wants to move forward with this life." But Rhona also spoke about some of the difficulties she has faced, including being threatened by her neighbours. "I basically had to babysit the farm and watch it almost 24/7" she said. "I was so exposed and vulnerable in my first years. "I had people cut fences and let their cows in, intimidating me by coming [on her land] and hunting, it felt like bullying." She added: "It's very unusual for a single girl to move to this part of Campo by herself and with no partner, no husband, that's really strange." Off-grid school 20 Charlotte has had an illustrious career after finding fame as a teen singing sensation Credit: Rex 20 Charlotte set up a school that focuses on nature in the annex of her home in Wales Credit: Really Channel/Koska Productions/Discovery Communications) From chart-topping teen to school founder, Charlotte Church, 39, is now teaching kids how to grow veg, care about nature, and be proud of who they are. The former Voice of an Angel star has swapped the stage for the schoolyard, setting up her own eco-friendly education centre in the annex of her house. Back in 2019, Charlotte vowed she'd "work night and day" to create a new kind of school in South Wales - and she's stuck to her word. The result is The Arwen Project, a rural retreat-style set-up where kids learn permaculture, organic gardening, land management and even how to connect with nature. She spent up to seven years researching education before launching the venture, saying the current school system was doing more harm than good. "The more I speak to young people and teachers, the more I think the system… is starting to become actively damaging," she wrote in a blog. "A lot of people leave school thinking they're not good enough, not smart, not capable – and that's heartbreaking." In her school, pupils learn outdoors whenever they can, make their own rules and focus on real-world issues that matter to them. During an LGBTQ+ week, the kids were treated to a talk from drag queen Le Gateau Chocolat, who taught them about allyship and the power of knowing when to "pass the mic." "Especially as white privileged people, we need to know when to step back," Charlotte told the New Statesman. 20 Charlotte at her wellness retreat Credit: Really Channel/Koska Productions/Discovery Communications)

Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT
Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT

The Sun

time3 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Sun

Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT

THEY had it all - fame, fortune and adoring fans. But instead of basking in the spotlight, these British stars packed it all in and bid the UK adieu. 20 20 20 This week fans were left in awe when Noel Edmonds made his big return to showbiz after years away. The last time many saw him was on I'm A Celebrity in 2018, where he was the first star to be booted out of the camp. Now he's back with a brand new ITV show set to focus on his life in New Zealand. The 76-year-old moved there with his wife Liz in 2015. Speaking to The Sun about his triumphant return, he said: "People still ask, 'Noel Edmonds? Didn't he die? Is he still around?' Yes, I'm still here - and living life to the full." On his quiet life away from his TV and radio days, he added: "We have a beautiful home, and in the morning, we wake up to a view of the mountains. "The scenery here is magical. Even after six years, we'll go for a drive and still say: 'Wow'." But he's not the only one to quit fame for a dramatic lifestyle change. From the silver screen to sun-drenched solitude, a string of celebs have turned their backs on showbiz to embrace quiet, off-grid lives elsewhere. Whether it's swapping red carpets for rural cabins or luxury mansions for life among the locals, these former household names are proving there's life after the limelight. Tent life From 2006 to 2019, Jason Gardiner was known as the acid-tongued judge on Dancing On Ice who was not afraid to speak his mind. He infamously left his judging role in the wake of his clash with former contestant Gemma Collins, who he once compared to a "refrigerator". At the time, he said: "I went through some very dark times after it all played out and I realised I wasn't valued in any way, shape or form by ITV." 20 20 20 Jason, 53, then quit the UK for a life in Portugal, where he studied a biodiversity and sustainability course and began calling himself a 'Nomadic Permaculture Designer'. Speaking to the Mirror, he explained how he travelled to different homes to teach families how to be more eco-conscious. He also opened up about how he was happy to leave the glitz and glamour of his former life behind and live in a tent. "I have gone on many adventures, met the most amazing people and acquired the most amazing qualification," he said. "I have found a new life that isn't about the toxic environment of the TV industry. "My tenure on Dancing on Ice was always marred with controversy and lots of issues, but the problem is, I didn't realise how toxic it was until I left. "It took me a while to decompress from it, I'll be honest." Italian job 20 20 When it comes to glamorous showbiz careers, very few can compare to Kelly Brook 's time in the spotlight. From red carpets to TV and radio shows, the 45-year-old was one of the most in-demand women in the industry. However, in 2022, Kelly married longtime beau Jeremy Parisi and partially retreated from life in the limelight. After selling her £1.45million Kent home, she spoke about leaving the UK to enjoy their married life in Italy, her husband's home country. Discussing their "simplified lives" last year, Kelly, who still maintains her home in London, said: "He's got a little farmhouse in Italy that is in need of renovation. "It's an olive oil farm, so we will be getting involved and pressing olives and learning how to cook pizza. I'm learning Italian. "You get to meet the family, and there's some very colourful characters in there." 'High life' 20 20 After a stint on Emmerdale as Ali Spencer from 2011 to 2015, Kelli Hollis' character was killed off-screen in 2018. But the real shock came last year when fans learned about her surprising career change. She is now living in Thailand with her partner, Matt Dawson, where she runs her own cannabis bar - with no plans of coming back to the UK. Speaking about her new enterprise, she said: "I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned]. "But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products. "But that is not to be stoned. I promote ours for rest and for aches and pains for people who don't want to smoke, so I will have mine before bed." I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned] But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products Kelli Hollis On TikTok Kelli, 48, proudly shows off her business venture to her 270,000 followers. The bar flogs cannabis and marijuana products and boasts of also selling hash, joints and brownies. In 2023, she posted on TikTok, celebrating one year in Thailand with the caption: "Came for 4 months, now run a weed bar." Speaking about the move in an interview, Kelli said: "We'd been to Pattaya a few times on a holiday, we did a bit of island hopping and in June they legalised marijuana and we found this really cute little shop and got really good friends with the owner and decided to basically set up our own weed shop." She added: "I'll be honest, I've smoked weed since I was about 15, but I'm not a hard-core weed smoker. "I can't do full joints and edibles and all that, so it probably bodes well, or I'd probably smoke all the profits. "It's definitely not something I envisaged, but we've definitely made the right choice." S Club Prepper 20 20 20 Last month former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt went public with her new life as a "survivalist and prepper" in the Costa Rican jungle. She relocated to the central American country with partner Adam Thomas and their daughters, aged three and five, back in January to start afresh after quitting the UK, having fallen in love with it during a trip in 2018. She'd previously admitted it was her dream to move there and buy some land or a farm and live "the simple life" with her kids. In her Instagram image caption she describes herself as: "Prepper, survivalist and creator now living the uninhibited jungle life." LA to Uruguay 20 20 20 In 2023, British actress Rhona Mitra, 48, opened up about how she quit Hollywood to settle into a quiet life in Uruguay. The star, who grew up in West London, moved to the States after finding success in the American market. She was the first ever live-action Lara Croft in 1997, and also appeared in films such as Sweet Home Alabama and TV shows including Boston Legal. On Channel 5 's Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild in 2023, she explained how she bought a 400-acre farm in Uruguay after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2012. After a two-year recovery period, where she stayed in a cabin, Rhona said she knew she couldn't go back to her Hollywood lifestyle. In the South American country, she built a home with horse manure, where she lives alone and carries out her passion of rescuing horses and other animals in poor condition. Explaining the loneliness it brings, she said: "It'd be easier if there were someone to share the burden with. "I think it's the thing that a lot of people say they want to be part of this life, but I'm not going to give this up. "There is no backtracking, I have to move forward and have somebody that wants to move forward with this life." But Rhona also spoke about some of the difficulties she has faced, including being threatened by her neighbours. "I basically had to babysit the farm and watch it almost 24/7" she said. "I was so exposed and vulnerable in my first years. "I had people cut fences and let their cows in, intimidating me by coming [on her land] and hunting, it felt like bullying." She added: "It's very unusual for a single girl to move to this part of Campo by herself and with no partner, no husband, that's really strange." Off-grid school 20 20 From chart-topping teen to school founder, Charlotte Church, 39, is now teaching kids how to grow veg, care about nature, and be proud of who they are. The former Voice of an Angel star has swapped the stage for the schoolyard, setting up her own eco-friendly education centre in the annex of her house. Back in 2019, Charlotte vowed she'd "work night and day" to create a new kind of school in South Wales - and she's stuck to her word. The result is The Arwen Project, a rural retreat-style set-up where kids learn permaculture, organic gardening, land management and even how to connect with nature. She spent up to seven years researching education before launching the venture, saying the current school system was doing more harm than good. "The more I speak to young people and teachers, the more I think the system… is starting to become actively damaging," she wrote in a blog. "A lot of people leave school thinking they're not good enough, not smart, not capable – and that's heartbreaking." In her school, pupils learn outdoors whenever they can, make their own rules and focus on real-world issues that matter to them. During an LGBTQ+ week, the kids were treated to a talk from drag queen Le Gateau Chocolat, who taught them about allyship and the power of knowing when to "pass the mic." "Especially as white privileged people, we need to know when to step back," Charlotte told the New Statesman. 20 20

Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT
Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT

The Irish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT

THEY had it all - fame, fortune and adoring fans. But instead of basking in the spotlight, these British stars packed it all in and bid the UK adieu. 20 This week fans were in awe after Noel Edmonds made a stunning return to showbiz Credit: PA 20 The star is now set to showcase his new life in an ITV show Credit: PA 20 Noel is one of the most recognisable faces in British telly Credit: Getty This week fans were left in awe when Noel Edmonds made his The last time many saw him was on I'm A Celebrity in 2018, where he was the first star to be booted out of the camp. Now he's back with a brand new ITV show set to focus on his life in New Zealand. The 76-year-old moved there with his wife Liz in 2015. READ MORE FEATURES Speaking to The Sun about his triumphant return, he said: "People still ask, 'Noel Edmonds? Didn't he die? Is he still around?' Yes, I'm still here - and living life to the full." On his quiet life away from his TV and radio days, he added: " We have a beautiful home, and in the morning, we wake up to a view of the mountains. "The scenery here is magical. Even after six years, we'll go for a drive and still say: 'Wow'." But he's not the only one to quit fame for a dramatic lifestyle change. Most read in Celebrity From the silver screen to sun-drenched solitude, a string of celebs have turned their backs on showbiz to embrace quiet, off-grid lives elsewhere. Whether it's swapping red carpets for rural cabins or luxury mansions for life among the locals, these former household names are proving there's life after the limelight. Charlotte Renovates A Commercial Kitchen For Her Wellness Retreat Tent life From 2006 to 2019, He infamously left his judging role in the wake of his clash with former contestant Gemma Collins, who he once compared to a "refrigerator". At the time, he said: "I went through some very dark times after it all played out and I realised I wasn't valued in any way, shape or form by ITV." 20 Jason Gardiner was one of the judges on Dancing on Ice before quitting Credit: Rex 20 The former TV star said he lived in a tent in Portugal after quitting Dancing On Ice Credit: Instagram 20 He took a sustainability course and taught families how to be more eco-friendly Credit: thejasongardiner/Instagram Jason, 53, then quit the UK for a life in Portugal, where he studied a biodiversity and sustainability course and began calling himself a 'Nomadic Permaculture Designer'. Speaking to the Mirror, he explained how he travelled to different homes to teach families how to be more eco-conscious. He also opened up about how he was happy to leave the glitz and glamour of his former life behind and "I have gone on many adventures, met the most amazing people and acquired the most amazing qualification," he said. "I have found a new life that isn't about the "My tenure on Dancing on Ice was always marred with controversy and lots of issues, but the problem is, I didn't realise how toxic it was until I left. "It took me a while to decompress from it, I'll be honest." Italian job 20 Kelly Brook was one of the most in-demand women in showbiz Credit: Instagram/iamkb 20 She has since spoken about enjoying her husband's farm in Italy after tying the knot in 2022 Credit: Instagram/iamkb When it comes to glamorous showbiz careers, very few can compare to From red carpets to TV and radio shows, the 45-year-old was one of the most in-demand women in the industry. However, in 2022, Kelly After selling her Discussing their "simplified lives" last year, Kelly, who still maintains her home in London, said: "He's got a little farmhouse in Italy that is in need of renovation. "It's an olive oil farm, so we will be getting involved and pressing olives and learning how to cook pizza. I'm learning Italian. "You get to meet the family, and there's some very colourful characters in there." 'High life' 20 Kelli Hollis is best known for her stint on Emmerdale as Ali Spencer, right Credit: Rex 20 She moved to Thailand, where she runs her own weed shop with her partner Credit: Kelli Hollis / La Choza After a stint on Emmerdale as Ali Spencer from 2011 to 2015, Kelli Hollis' character was killed off-screen in 2018. But the real shock came last year when fans learned about her She is now living in Thailand with her partner, Matt Dawson, where she runs her own cannabis bar - with no plans of coming back to the UK. Speaking about her new enterprise, she said: "I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned]. "But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products. " But that is not to be stoned. I promote ours for rest and for aches and pains for people who don't want to smoke, so I will have mine before bed ." I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned] But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products Kelli Hollis On TikTok Kelli, 48, proudly shows off her business venture to her 270,000 followers. The bar flogs cannabis and marijuana products and boasts of also selling hash, joints and brownies. In 2023, she posted on TikTok, celebrating one year in Thailand with the caption: "Came for 4 months, now run a weed bar." Speaking about the move in an interview, Kelli said: "We'd been to She added: "I'll be honest, I've smoked weed since I was about 15, but I'm not a hard-core weed smoker. "I can't do full joints and edibles and all that, so it probably bodes well, or I'd probably smoke all the profits. "It's definitely not something I envisaged, but we've definitely made the right choice." S Club Prepper 20 Hannah Spearritt found fame in British pop group S Club 7 Credit: Getty - Contributor 20 Hannah Spearritt has given a glimpse into her new life in Costa Rica Credit: Instagram 20 She has quit the UK to become a 'prepper and survivalist' Last month former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt went public with her She relocated to the central American country with partner Adam Thomas and their daughters, aged three and five, back in January to She'd previously admitted it was her dream to move there and buy some land or a farm and live "the simple life" with her kids. In her Instagram image caption she describes herself as: "Prepper, survivalist and creator now living the uninhibited jungle life." LA to Uruguay 20 Rhona Mitra moved to Uruguay after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease Credit: Rex 20 She now lives on a 400-acre farm where she rescues horses Credit: Instagram/iamrhonamitra 20 Rhona has spoken about how lonely it is on the farm Credit: Instagram/iamrhonamitra In 2023, British actress Rhona Mitra, 48, opened up about how she quit Hollywood to settle into a quiet life in Uruguay. The star, who grew up in West London, moved to the States after finding success in the American market. She was the first ever live-action On Channel 5's Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild in 2023, she explained how she bought a 400-acre farm in Uruguay after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2012. After a two-year recovery period, where she stayed in a cabin, Rhona said she knew she couldn't go back to her Hollywood lifestyle. In the South American country, she built a home with horse manure, where she lives alone and carries out her passion of rescuing horses and other animals in poor condition. Explaining the loneliness it brings, she said: "It'd be easier if there were someone to share the burden with. "I think it's the thing that a lot of people say they want to be part of this life, but I'm not going to give this up. "There is no backtracking, I have to move forward and have somebody that wants to move forward with this life." But Rhona also spoke about some of the difficulties she has faced, including being threatened by her neighbours. "I basically had to babysit the farm and watch it almost 24/7" she said. "I was so exposed and vulnerable in my first years. "I had people cut fences and let their cows in, intimidating me by coming [on her land] and hunting, it felt like bullying." She added: "It's very unusual for a single girl to move to this part of Campo by herself and with no partner, no husband, that's really strange." Off-grid school 20 Charlotte has had an illustrious career after finding fame as a teen singing sensation Credit: Rex 20 Charlotte set up a school that focuses on nature in the annex of her home in Wales Credit: Really Channel/Koska Productions/Discovery Communications) From chart-topping teen to school founder, The former Voice of an Angel star has swapped the stage for the schoolyard, setting up her own eco-friendly education centre in the annex of Back in 2019, Charlotte vowed she'd "work night and day" to create a new kind of school in South Wales - and she's stuck to her word. The result is The Arwen Project, a rural retreat-style set-up where kids learn permaculture, organic gardening, land management and even how to connect with nature. She spent up to seven years researching education before launching the venture, saying the current school system was doing more harm than good. "The more I speak to young people and teachers, the more I think the system… is starting to become actively damaging," she wrote in a blog. "A lot of people leave school thinking they're not good enough, not smart, not capable – and that's heartbreaking." In her school, pupils learn outdoors whenever they can, make their own rules and focus on real-world issues that matter to them. During an LGBTQ+ week, the kids were treated to a talk from drag queen Le Gateau Chocolat, who taught them about allyship and the power of knowing when to "pass the mic." "Especially as white privileged people, we need to know when to step back," Charlotte told the New Statesman. 20 Charlotte at her wellness retreat Credit: Really Channel/Koska Productions/Discovery Communications) 20 Charlotte with her husband, Jonathan Powell Credit: Instagram

‘I'm living life to the full': Noel Edmonds on his move to New Zealand
‘I'm living life to the full': Noel Edmonds on his move to New Zealand

The Independent

time9 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Independent

‘I'm living life to the full': Noel Edmonds on his move to New Zealand

Noel Edmonds, former host of Deal Or No Deal, stars in a new ITV show, Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure, showcasing his life in rural New Zealand. Edmonds moved to New Zealand with his wife, Liz, seeking a change of pace and a connection with the land, initially settling north of Auckland before moving to the Tasman region in the South Island. The series follows Edmonds as he establishes a hospitality business in Ngatimoti, including a vineyard, coffee cart, general store, and restaurant, and his efforts to build New Zealand's first community energy garden. Edmonds highlights the beauty and challenges of New Zealand, including its intense weather, earthquakes, and the need for ethical farming practices, while also praising the friendly and resilient nature of Kiwis. Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure aims to showcase New Zealand's scenery and community spirit, while also addressing public curiosity about Edmonds' life and career; the show launches on ITV1 on June 20.

Noel Edmonds opens up about Clarkson's Farm comparisons ahead of his £1million return to TV with show documenting move to New Zealand
Noel Edmonds opens up about Clarkson's Farm comparisons ahead of his £1million return to TV with show documenting move to New Zealand

Daily Mail​

time17 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mail​

Noel Edmonds opens up about Clarkson's Farm comparisons ahead of his £1million return to TV with show documenting move to New Zealand

Noel Edmonds has opened up about Clarkson's Farm comparisons ahead of his return to TV with show documenting his family move to New Zealand. The legendary broadcaster, 76, is making a reported £1M return to TV this month after emigrating to New Zealand with wife Liz in 2018. His new show Noel Edmond's Kiwi Adventure follows the couple after they bought land around Ngatimoti and built a hospitality business in the heart of the community. And it has already been compared to the Jeremy Clarkson 's farm show - but in a new interview Noel gave his impressions on the similarities and differences. Noel explained to The Sun: 'When we were filming our show, some people who knew about Clarkson's Farm said to me, 'Oh, is it like Clarkson's Farm?' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'And I said, 'No, it couldn't be more different.' First of all, I'm not like Jeremy in many ways, though I wish I were. 'He's brilliant. He can articulate an argument beautifully and deliver a sharp, humorous line like no one else. 'The key difference between our Kiwi Adventure, and Clarkson's Farm is that ours is more of a lifestyle narrative.' The New Zealand business boasts a vineyard, coffee cart, general store and restaurant & pub, with cameras follow as they reopen to the public for its second full season. Noel also plans to build New Zealand 's first energy garden but how will his legacy project and the fledgling business cope when faced with unseasonal weather, bad press and feelings of being an outsider? As they settle into their new Kiwi Life will Noel's spirit for adventure and his many ideas survive the challenges New Zealand throws them? Last year MailOnline revealed that Noel could be set to rival Clarkson's Farm with £1million ITV deal' Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon Prime series remains a huge hit, with the latest figures revealing it was watched more than any other show for the whole of last week in just 48 hours. A TV insider told The Sun last year of the broadcasters return to television : 'Noel's incredible - and very eccentric - life is going to make TV gold. 'New Zealand is still struggling with the after-effects of their draconian lockdown laws and execs are hoping that Noel will do for tourism what Jeremy has done for British farming. 'There was a feeding frenzy from production companies to secure the rights, and everyone knows this could be a huge comeback for Noel.' Noel first moved to New Zealand in 2019 with former make-up artist Liz Davies, launching a network of radio stations near Auckland before moving to Ngatimoti three years later. As well as the winery, the TV star also has a shop, restaurant, pub, and café on a £15m estate - and in 2023, sparked a furious row with residents who accused him of 'colonising' their idyllic village. The Deal Or No Deal star has also added winemaking to his repertoire at River Haven. Noel settled in the Ngatimoti area and snapped up 12 properties worth almost £15m on 270 hectares of land. The town is already well-known in New Zealand for its annual festival, which generally takes place in October and is attended by thousands of people. In 2023, he sparked a furious row with residents who accused him of 'colonising' their idyllic village. One said: 'I feel like he's a coloniser. He's come in like he's the lord of the manor.' The television star has not helped matters by posing for photos on the estate holding a mug with the slogan 'His Lordship'. The resident added: 'He's got this attitude... about how he's improved the place and made it amazing - it was already amazing.'

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