Celebrity Escape to the Country is the first-ever celebrity spin-off from the long-running property series that's coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this December as part of the Christmas TV line-up.
The main series launched back in 2002 and has been helping all kinds of property owners from across the UK decide whether they want to swap city living for the slower pace of life in the countryside.
The celebrity spin-off will be doing the same thing, just for several would-be property buyers from the entertainment world! Guided by the show's property experts, the buyers will be exploring several quiet landscapes and lifestyles from places in the Home Counties, Cheshire, the Peak District, Lancashire, Kent, and Sussex.
Dr. Ranj Singh fronts the first episode of the series. He's looking at properties near the Peak District; perhaps he'll be able to escape the city blues!
Here's what we know about Celebrity Escape to the Country so far. And don't forget to check our top picks for the best BBC dramas and best BBC comedies if you're looking for even more shows to enjoy right now.
Celebrity Escape to the Country release date
Celebrity Escape to the Country starts on Monday, December 18 at 3 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with a second episode airing on Wednesday, December 20 in the same places, at the same time.
How many episodes of Celebrity Escape to the Country will there be?
The BBC has confirmed that there will be five special episodes of Celebrity Escape to the Country, each of which will last around 45 minutes long.
Celebrity Escape to the Country cast: which celebs are taking part in the spin-off?
The line-up for Celebrity Escape to the Country contains five big names from across the TV landscape. They are:
- Panto star and former I'm a Celebrity winner, Christopher Biggins
- Bucks Fizz popstar, Cheryl Baker
- TV health professional, Dr. Ranj Singh
- Strictly Come Dancing stars Janette Manrara and Aljaz Škorjanec
- The Chase quiz expert, Jenny "The Vixen" Ryan
What else is there to know about Celebrity Escape to the Country?
John Comerford, Head of Naked West (the production company behind the series) said: "We love helping prospective rural dwellers find their dream homes and we're delighted the BBC have commissioned this special series giving us all an insight into our favourite celebrities' lives as they look to swap the city for a new home in the country."
Meanwhile, BBC Daytime and Factual Commissioning Editor, Julie Shaw, said: "Escape to the Country has been a staple in the BBC daytime schedule for 21 years. Audiences love this programme and watching the journeys the house-hunters go on, so it was about we got to go house hunting with some famous faces. I can't wait for this to land in the schedules."
