Alistair Appleton from BBC Escape to the Country reveals past struggles with alcohol and drugs

Escape To The Country presenter Alistair Appleton has candidly revealed his past battles with alcohol and drugs during the early stages of his television career. Despite being a fan favourite on the BBC One show since 2007, he confessed to experiencing "pretty unhappiness" in his 30s, showing that his life was far from idyllic.

On his personal blog mind-springs.org, Alistair spoke openly about his off-screen challenges, sharing: "I was drinking a lot, doing a lot of drugs, going out a lot."

Reflecting on his past in an honest 2019 blog entry, Appleton talked about feeling stuck and emotionally numb in his 20s and remarked: "I realised how fossilised and dead-souled I'd become in my 20s."

He elaborated: "You know, in my 20s all I wanted to be was a famous TV presenter, and by the time I turned 30 I was already seeing that was a very dangerous path for me because I knew that it would just mean more anxiety, more laying value on external looks."

In addition to his television career, Appleton has long held a passion for meditation, which led him to train as a psychotherapist. His goal is to gain a deeper understanding of burnout and to offer support to those dealing with similar stresses in their lives, reports Birmingham Live

Alistair once contemplated a life-changing decision to become a monk, having been deeply influenced by an intense meditation retreat in Thailand. His friends, however, persuaded him against joining a Thai monastery.

He has since found his own slice of serenity in Newhaven, living with his partner Daniel and teaching local yoga and meditation classes. Alistair also shares his journey and insights on spiritual retreats, emotional well-being, and advice from fellow yogis and meditation practitioners through his blog.

Escape To The Country's familiar face, Jules Hudson, who has been with the show since 2007, took a creative sabbatical last year. Embracing the programme's spirit, he had previously participated in a 12-week course at a Boat Building Academy in 2012 amidst his filming schedule.

Reflecting on his experiences, Jules remarked: "I always wanted to return [to the Academy]. But when you have a family and are working, life just moves on, and you go with it."