Celebrity Escape to the Country returns for Christmas

BBC One and Naked West (a Fremantle label) have revealed the return of the beloved Celebrity Escape to the Country, a star-studded spin-off of the highly successful and long-running Escape to the Country series. The new season will debut in December.

Building on the success of its debut series last year, which attracted nearly 3 million viewers, the show will continue to captivate audiences with fresh celebrity participants and new rural destinations.

This upcoming series features a star-studded lineup, including Olympic gold medalist Linford Christie OBE, music icon Alfie Boe OBE, broadcaster and author Anita Rani, Steps’ pop sensation H, esteemed journalist Kaye Adams, and The Apprentice winner and entrepreneur Tim Campbell MBE.

The hour-long special episodes will follow these celebrities as they venture outside their usual urban environments in search of their ideal country homes. Along the way, they will experience both the rewards and challenges of finding the perfect rural retreat, while celebrating the natural beauty of the British countryside. Each episode will highlight not only the stunning properties on offer but also the personal journeys behind each celebrity’s desire to move to the peaceful surroundings of the countryside.

Julie Shaw, Daytime Commissioner comments: “Our homes are central to our sense of belonging, and finding a new home is one of the biggest decisions any of us will ever make, famous or not famous. This series we get an insight into the celebrities, their careers and their families, essentially the journey they’ve been on from where they began long before the cameras and spotlights. We cover the UK, including the beautiful hills and valleys in the Vale of Glamorgan and Stirlingshire, helping people to escape from world-famous cities like Glasgow and London – it’s a magical tour around some of the UKs most beautiful homes.”

Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak commissioning comments: “Last year’s Celebrity Escape to the Country was a real Christmas treat so we are delighted to bring it back for a second series. We’ve a brilliant line-up of much-loved familiar faces, with a unique insight into their personalities as they hunt for a potential new home. And who doesn’t want a sneak peak into what could soon be a celebs living room?!”

Tom O’Brien, Managing Director of Naked, comments: “We are delighted to be bringing back one of last year’s stand out success stories – the Celebrity edition of Escape. Loved by viewers for its up – and off – beat tone, it’s great to be doing more with one of our strongest regional brands”

John Comerford, Head of Naked West, comments: “After the success of the last series, we are thrilled to be back on BBC One with an exciting new roster of celebs on the hunt for an irresistible property in the wilds of the British countryside. We’ll be offering an enlightening glimpse into what a new rural life could look like for these household names.”

BBC has also confirmed a Christmas special with Rylan meeting Mariah Carey and will be discussing the 30th anniversary of the iconic Christmas song, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ and a two-part Christmas special of Call the Midwife.