Countryfile star John Craven's life off-screen with wife and why he won't retire

Countryfile presenter John Craven has remained a television favourite for more than five decades since landing his breakthrough role hosting Newsround in 1972,the BBC's dedicated children's news programme.

Armed with his warming approach and natural passion for broadcasting, John has built a remarkable television career, including his stint presenting Countryfile from 1989.

Away from the cameras, John retreats to his Oxfordshire home, where he's resided for many years. The broadcaster shares his life there with wife Marilyn, and the pair have been together for more than half a century.

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The dedicated television personality is also a proud dad to two daughters and a loving grandfather to their offspring, reports the Express.

The duo are believed to have first crossed paths before 1970 whilst John was stationed at the BBC in Newcastle upon Tyne, with Marilyn working as a production secretary on Look North.

The couple have cultivated a solid relationship and deliberately keep their family life away from the public.

During a 2019 interview with the Daily Mail, John expressed his satisfaction with his present career path and dismissed any desire for celebrity events, declaring bluntly: "I have no need. My career isn't faltering."

Looking back on his enduring marriage to Marilyn, the broadcasting stalwart disclosed his formula for marital longevity.

He told the publication: "It helped that she worked in TV. She knew how it was."

John continued: "We hadn't been together that long when I was asked to move to Bristol and I wasn't sure if she would say yes, but she did, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

"She keeps me grounded. She's been my rock. Without being too soppy, she was always there for me, which is the main thing in my business because it can be precarious."

Born in 1940, John, 85, originates from Leeds, Yorkshire and, after departing school at sixteen, began an apprenticeship at the Yorkshire Copperworks where his passion for journalism blossomed when he started writing for the company publication.

He was then catapulted to fame on Newsround during the 1970s, but at 85 years old, he displays no indication of slowing down and has previously mentioned that whilst he assumed he would have retired by now, he doesn't wish to abandon doing what he adores just yet.

John voiced his concerns about being labelled a legend on BBC's The One Show, declaring: "I don't really like being called a legend because, yeah, I'm getting on a bit, but I still feel quite useful."

When questioned by the host why he remains so popular with audiences, John responded: "I think it's because I'm regarded as almost a friend.

"To this day, people come up to me and say, 'Thank you for being part of my childhood. Thanks for telling me what was happening in the world'."

The broadcaster, who recently celebrated 35 years presenting the documentary series, had previously revealed his desire to have his ashes scattered at his beloved Yorkshire spot, reports the Express.

He admitted: "Still one of my favourite places in the world is Wharfedale and Otley Chevin, where I used to cycle with my mates.

"I love the coast too, especially Whitby, though we had family holidays in Bridlington because I suspect it was a bit cheaper.

"I'd like to come home and have my ashes scattered in Yorkshire, maybe on the top of Otley Chevin," he revealed to The Yorkshire Post back in 2019.

Countryfile is available for viewing on BBC One and iPlayer