Countryfile legend John Craven shares final wish in emotional plea

Countyfile's beloved presenter, John Craven, made a moving admission as he opened up about his final wishes and spoke on his cherished Yorkshire location. The BBC star, who has fronted the programme since 1989, gave viewers a tour of Yorkshire's most popular areas and revealed that he'd like his ashes to be scattered at one of the hotspots. During Sunday's (August 17) episode, John explored Knaresborough, which is rich in culture with its ancient castles, cliffs, and mysterious caves, which have been dubbed a "hidden gem".

As the 84-year-old explored the River Nidd and spoke on its rich history, John also highlighted his intimate knowledge of the county and its surroundings. The star, who recently celebrated 30 years presenting the documentary series, previously revealed his wish to have his ashes scattered at his cherished Yorkshire location. In 2019, the host revealed: "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 added to The Yorkshire Post. Although John has not lived in the county since his twenties, he still has family in the area and continues to visit Yorkshire regularly.

In the latest Countryfile episode, John talked to other experts and explored ancient crafts, from the historical Holgate windmill to an innovative, solar-powered micro-distillery transforming heritage grains into eco-friendly spirits.

In addition, he delved into the show's archives to revisit traditional skills and time-honoured crafts that have shaped the heart of rural life.

In the Countryfile magazine, the presenter shared his disappointment in not securing a seaside property.

"All my life I've dreamt of a home by the seashore but somehow have never managed to achieve it," he revealed.

Rather than living by the coast, he resides more than an hour's drive from his closest beach in Oxfordshire, and makes do with his own outdoor space when he cannot make the journey.

"Confession time: sometimes I sit in my garden, play recordings of the sea and pretend I'm there, doing just that," John added.

With no signs of retirement, the presenter is also best known for fronting the children's news programme Newsround for 17 years from 1972.

Following his departure in 1989, John joined Countryfile that same year and has remained a firm favourite on the programme ever since.