Countryfile star John Craven's secret to long marriage and why he hasn't retired at 85

Countryfile presenter John Craven has been a star on-screen for over five decades after bagging a job fronting Newsround in 1972, a BBC news show dedicated to children.

With his straight-talking style and natural on-screen talent, John has successfully carved out an impressive career in television, and his role presenting Countryfile in 1989.

When not working, John can be found at home in Oxfordshire, where he has lived for a number of years. The star lives there with his wife, Marilyn, and the couple has been an item for over 50 years. The devoted TV star is also a proud father to his two daughters and a doting grandfather to their children.

The couple reportedly met sometime before 1970 when John was working at the BBC in Newcastle upon Tyne, and Marilyn was a production secretary on Look North.

The pair have nurtured a strong partnership and choose to keep their family life distinctly private.

In a 2019 Daily Mail interview, John shared his contentment with his current career trajectory and lack of need for the glitz associated with fame, stating frankly: "I have no need. My career isn't faltering."

Reflecting on his long marriage to Marilyn, the TV veteran revealed his secret to a long marriage. He told the publication: "It helped that she worked in TV. She knew how it was."

John added: "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, hails from Leeds, Yorkshire and, after leaving school at sixteen, started an apprenticeship at the Yorkshire Copperworks where his love of journalism flourished when he began to write for the company magazine.

He then was propelled to stardom on Newsround back in the 1970s, but at 85 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down and has previously said that while he thought he would have retired by now, he doesn't want to give up doing what he loves just yet.

John expressed his reservations about being referred to as a legend on BBC's The One Show last year, stating: "I don't really like being called a legend because, yeah, I'm getting on a bit, but I still feel quite useful."

Asked by the presenter why he is so in favour with viewers, John replied: "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 presenter, who recently marked 35 years fronting the documentary series, had previously expressed his wish to have his ashes scattered at his favourite Yorkshire location, reports the Express.

He confessed: "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 told The Yorkshire Post back in 2019.

Countryfile airs on BBC One and iPlayer