Countryfile Diaries
As presenter of one of Britain’s favourite TV shows, John Craven talks about his beloved Countryfile spin-off…
monday-friday / BBC1
Expect plenty of gorgeous landscapes and wonderful wildlife as presenter John Craven returns with the spin-off Summer series celebrating our glorious British countryside. We talk to John to find out more…
new FACTUAL Countryfile Diaries Monday-friday / BBC1 / times vary
You’d imagine, after almost 30 years of presenting BBC1’S Countryfile, the show’s longest-serving host would have amassed an impressive collection of wellies. Not so!
When TV Times caught up with John Craven to chat about Countryfile Diaries, the latest Countryfile Summer spin-off, he revealed quite the opposite…
‘I’ve only got one set. My first pair lasted 15 years, but the current ones are quite new and neoprenelined,’ says John, who’s been at the helm of Countryfile for over 29 years. ‘At last, a pair of wellies that will keep my toes warm!’
John’s footwear collection may be modest, but his career isn’t.
He’s been working on TV continually since 1971. As well as his Countryfile credentials, John’s fondly remembered by a generation of children as the jumper-clad reporter on Newsround – a ground-breaking news show for kids, which John presented for 17 years and more than 3,000 episodes!
Here, John, 78, tells us what’s in store in the Summer season of Countryfile Diaries…
Countryfile Diaries is back for a five-part daytime series this week. What makes it special?
It’s a really great opportunity to take an in-depth look at many seasonal issues and events, while also having fun discovering the changing face of our countryside at a specific time of the year.
The heatwave will feature strongly in the series. Paul Martin will be checking out the drought, and Steve Brown will be reporting on how farmers may have to switch to alternative crops to cope with future hot weather.
It’s been a challenging Summer for many. Will Countryfile Diaries offer practical advice for viewers? Yes, for instance, Keeley Donovan is investigating skin cancer, which is on the increase in Britain. Jules Hudson takes precautions to stop his Labrador, Teddy, becoming a victim of heatstroke.
Meanwhile, Margherita Taylor is in the Cornish surfing mecca of Croyde, asking locals how they deal with the annual invasion of visitors at this time of year. Each episode will reflect this amazing British Summer we’re having.
What other issues will you focus on in the series?
We’re looking into stories not directly connected to the sunshine, such as bumblebees losing their buzz, abandoned horses, potholes and the battle to save our city parks. Oh, and we have a wedding!
Keeley married radio presenter Johnny l’anson and discovered how the new trend for confetti is for all things natural. [Keeley and Johnny tied the knot in June, in a ceremony officiated by Look North presenter Harry Gration.]
And what will you be getting up to during filming?
I’ll be hosting the show from beautiful North Cornwall – Poldark country… But don’t expect me to be taking my shirt off, even if the sun is blazing down!
When Countryfile started 30 years ago, did you think it would be such a big success?
Not really, because it was tucked away in a Sunday morning slot. Gradually, more and more people started watching it, especially when we went from 30 minutes to an hour an episode in 2003. And when Countryfile moved to prime time six years later, it quickly became the most popular weekly factual programme!
Countryfile must mean a lot to you, especially as you have worked on the show from almost the very beginning?
I’m a very lucky broadcaster! I joined Countryfile on its first birthday, and I’ve been here ever since, travelling to every corner of our stunning countryside and coast, and meeting the hundreds of people who make it what it is.
When I left Newsround in 1989, after presenting it for 17 years, it seemed impossible that I would
ever find another show to which I would become so attached – but it actually happened. Newsround and Countryfile are like my babies. I’ve seen them grow into very well respected programmes. What more could I ask for?
Have you any plans to celebrate your own 30th anniversary at Countryfile next year?
Well, I hope to have a little celebration in July next year, when, all being well, I’ll be celebrating three decades of doing the programme. It’s also the first time we’ll be taking our show Countryfile Live to Castle Howard in Yorkshire, from 15 to 18 August – two weeks after our regular Countryfile Live booking at Blenheim Place in Oxfordshire, from 1 to 4 August!
Your Countryfile co-presenter Anita rani recently told us she’d love to see you doing a waltz on strictly Come Dancing. What do you say to that!
I love Anita, and I cheered her on when she was on Strictly. But, to be honest, that kind of ballroom dancing is physically beyond me. Maybe I could manage a slow waltz, but nothing else! Now, if they had asked me 40 years ago…
Countryfile Diaries IS previewed on pages 48-49