For more than two decades, Escape to the Country has helped prospective buyers find rural homes across Britain. The BBC One daytime programme, which first aired in 2002, remains in active production and entered its 27th season in May 2026. With over 1,265 episodes broadcast to date, the show continues to draw a loyal audience seeking property inspiration and countryside living advice. This article covers current schedule information, episode counts, presenter updates, and addresses common questions about the series.
The programme follows homebuyers as they search for properties in the British countryside, guided by a team of knowledgeable presenters. Episodes typically run for 45 minutes and air on weekday afternoons. The show’s longevity, now spanning more than two decades, reflects sustained audience interest in aspirational property content with a rural focus.
What time is Escape to the Country on today?
Escape to the Country airs on BBC One on weekdays. The standard broadcast time is 3:00 PM, with episodes running approximately 45 minutes. During certain periods, including July 2026, the show has been scheduled at 4:00 PM for repeat broadcasts of earlier seasons. Viewers are advised to check the official BBC One schedule for the most accurate daily listings.
Escape to the Country shown today on TV?
The show is listed on BBC One’s daily schedule. Episodes air on weekdays, though the exact time can vary slightly depending on regional programming or special events. The programme also broadcasts repeats, which may appear at different times on BBC One or via the iPlayer catch-up service.
Bbc escape to the country today?
The official BBC programme page and iPlayer platform list upcoming episodes and provide on-demand access. Episodes are typically available on iPlayer shortly after their initial broadcast. For same-day viewing, consulting the BBC One schedule or a trusted TV guide is the most reliable approach.
Schedule tip: During July 2026, the show has been airing daily repeats of Season 26 episodes on BBC One at 4:00 PM, with the broadcast ending at 4:45 PM. These repeats include episodes set in Shropshire, Norfolk, and Wiltshire, among others.
Overview
- What is Escape to the Country? A British daytime television programme that helps homebuyers find rural properties, airing on BBC One since 2002.
- Who are the presenters? Current presenters include Sonali Shah, Jules Hudson, Ginny Buckley, Alistair Appleton, Nicki Chapman, and Richie Anderson. Jonnie Irwin was a long-serving presenter before his death in 2024.
- When does it air? Weekdays on BBC One, typically at 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM for repeats, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.
- How many seasons? The show has 27 seasons as of 2026, with more than 1,265 episodes produced in total.
Key insights
- Escape to the Country has been a staple of BBC daytime since 2002, maintaining high viewership for over two decades.
- Jonnie Irwin’s death in 2024 was a significant event; he was a beloved presenter on the show and his final episodes continue to be broadcast as repeats.
- The show has a separate celebrity spin-off titled “I Escaped to the Country,” which features famous faces searching for rural homes.
- Episodes are available on BBC iPlayer and the official YouTube channel, extending the programme’s reach beyond live television.
- Richie Anderson joined the presenting team in Season 26, which began airing in August 2025.
- Season 27 premiered on 18 May 2026, confirming the show’s ongoing production.
- The programme focuses exclusively on rural properties, distinguishing it from other property shows that cover urban and suburban markets.
Snapshot facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First aired | 14 October 2002 |
| Network | BBC One |
| Number of seasons | 27 (as of 2026) |
| Number of episodes | Over 1,265 |
| Current presenters | Sonali Shah, Jules Hudson, Ginny Buckley, Alistair Appleton, Nicki Chapman, Richie Anderson |
| Notable former presenter | Jonnie Irwin (died February 2024) |
| Celebrity spin-off | “I Escaped to the Country” (Season 10 in January 2026) |
| Typical air time | Weekdays 3:00 PM GMT (45 minutes) |
| Latest season premiere | Season 27 on 18 May 2026 |
| Season 26 premiere | 18 August 2025 |
How many episodes and seasons of Escape to the Country are there?
As of mid-2026, Escape to the Country has produced 27 seasons and more than 1,265 episodes. The show has maintained a consistent production pace since its debut in 2002, with new seasons typically premiering annually on BBC One. Season 27 began on 18 May 2026, following Season 26 which started on 18 August 2025.
Escape to the Country Season 2?
The show’s second season aired in 2003, following the programme’s debut in October 2002. Season numbering can sometimes cause confusion because the BBC uses its own series numbering system, which differs from the season labels used by some streaming platforms and databases. Season 2 established the format that the show still follows today: helping buyers find rural properties with expert presenter guidance.
Escape to the Country episodes?
With over 1,265 episodes produced, the show has one of the largest episode counts in British daytime television. New episodes continue to be made and broadcast. Season 26, for instance, included episodes airing as late as March 2026, such as the Cornwall episode (S26 E39) hosted by Alistair Appleton on 30 March 2026. Earlier Season 26 episodes covered locations including Devon (hosted by Richie Anderson), Pembrokeshire, East Sussex, and Herefordshire.
Escape to the Country 2026?
The show remains active in 2026. Season 27 premiered on 18 May 2026 on BBC One, and the programme continues to broadcast new episodes. Additionally, repeats of Season 26 episodes have been airing daily on BBC One during July 2026. The show has not announced any plans to conclude, and its consistent production history suggests further seasons are likely.
Episode count note: The exact episode count for the 2025–2026 season has not been published in full by the BBC. The figure of over 1,265 episodes is based on tracking data from external sources that monitor television series. Official figures from the broadcaster may differ slightly.
Is there a celebrity version of Escape to the Country?
Yes, a celebrity spin-off exists, though it is a separate programme from the main Escape to the Country series. The spin-off is titled “I Escaped to the Country” and features celebrities searching for rural homes. The show follows a similar format to the main programme but focuses on well-known individuals.
Escape to the Country celebrity?
“I Escaped to the Country” has run for multiple seasons, with Season 10 airing in January 2026. Notable celebrities who have appeared on the show include Dr. Ranj, among others. This series is distinct from the main property show, which occasionally features special location-focused episodes but does not typically have a dedicated celebrity format within its main run. The main show has produced episodes focusing on specific regions such as North Yorkshire and Cornwall, but these are not celebrity specials per se.
Distinguishing the formats: Viewers searching for celebrity content should look for “I Escaped to the Country” specifically. The main Escape to the Country programme does not regularly feature celebrity participants. The two shows share a production lineage but are listed as separate series on platforms such as IMDb and TheTVDB.
Did a presenter on Escape to the Country die?
Yes. Jonnie Irwin, a long-time presenter on Escape to the Country, died in February 2024 after a battle with cancer. He was 50 years old. Irwin had been a familiar face on the show for many years, helping couples and families find rural homes across Britain, including in locations such as Wiltshire. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and viewers, and it also led to a notable increase in online searches about the show’s presenters.
Escape to the Country presenters death?
Jonnie Irwin is the only presenter from the show who has died. Other current and former presenters, including Jules Hudson, Sonali Shah, Ginny Buckley, Alistair Appleton, Nicki Chapman, and Richie Anderson, are alive and continue to work on the programme or on other projects. Irwin’s final episodes are sometimes broadcast as repeats. For example, a Wiltshire episode presented by Irwin appears in the BBC’s upcoming broadcast listings. His contributions to the show are remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Clarification: Despite occasional online confusion, no other presenter from Escape to the Country has died. Jonnie Irwin’s passing in 2024 is the only such event in the show’s history. The presenting team remains largely intact, with several new members joining in recent seasons.
When did key events in the show’s history take place?
The timeline below outlines the most significant milestones in the programme’s history, from its debut to the present day.
- 2002 – Escape to the Country premieres on BBC One on 14 October.
- 2003 – Season 2 airs, establishing the show’s long-running format.
- 2005 – The first celebrity specials appear, later evolving into the separate spin-off “I Escaped to the Country.”
- 2010 – The show reaches 500 episodes, cementing its place in daytime television.
- 2020 – BBC iPlayer and the official YouTube channel become the primary catch-up platforms, broadening the show’s digital reach.
- 2024 – Presenter Jonnie Irwin dies on 5 February at age 50 after a cancer battle; the show continues production.
- 2025 – Season 26 premieres on 18 August; Richie Anderson joins the presenting team.
- 2026 – Season 27 premieres on 18 May; the show surpasses 1,265 episodes. Repeats of earlier seasons continue to air on BBC One.
What is known and what remains uncertain about Escape to the Country?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Escape to the Country is an active BBC One programme with 27 seasons as of 2026. | The exact future schedule for 2027 and beyond has not been officially confirmed by the BBC. |
| Jonnie Irwin, a presenter on the show, died in February 2024 after a cancer battle. | Whether additional celebrity specials or a new season of “I Escaped to the Country” will be produced has not been announced. |
| The show has aired over 1,265 episodes across 27 seasons. | The precise episode count for Season 27 has not been released by the broadcaster. |
| Celebrity spin-off “I Escaped to the Country” exists as a separate series. | It is unclear whether the main show will introduce new regular presenters in upcoming seasons. |
| Season 27 premiered on 18 May 2026 on BBC One. | The long-term future of the show beyond 2026 has not been formally addressed. |
How does Escape to the Country fit into the daytime TV landscape?
Escape to the Country occupies a distinct niche in British daytime television. While other property programmes such as A Place in the Sun and Location, Location, Location cover similar ground, Escape to the Country differentiates itself through its exclusive focus on rural properties. This rural emphasis appeals to viewers who aspire to countryside living, a theme that has proven durable over more than two decades.
The show’s longevity, now exceeding 23 years, reflects consistent audience engagement. Its digital presence on BBC iPlayer and YouTube ensures that episodes reach viewers beyond the live broadcast window, including international audiences. The programme’s format, which combines practical property search with aspirational lifestyle content, has remained largely unchanged since its inception, suggesting that the formula continues to resonate with audiences.
The death of Jonnie Irwin in 2024 prompted a spike in search queries about the show and its presenters, but the programme itself has continued without interruption. New presenters such as Richie Anderson have joined the team, and Season 27 began airing in May 2026, demonstrating the show’s ongoing viability within the BBC’s daytime schedule.
Where can viewers find reliable information about Escape to the Country?
Several authoritative sources provide information about the show, its episodes, and its presenters. The BBC’s official programme page and iPlayer platform are the most direct sources for schedule information and episode availability. Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of the show’s history, format, and presenter lineup. The official YouTube channel provides access to full episodes and clips. The BBC News website covered Jonnie Irwin’s death in 2024 with detailed reporting.
“A series which helps prospective buyers find their dream home in the country.”
— BBC Official Programme Page
“Escape to the Country is a British daytime television property-buying/real estate programme that has been on the air since 14 October 2002.”
— Wikipedia
“Watch episodes of Escape to the Country on BBC iPlayer.”
— BBC iPlayer
What should viewers know about Escape to the Country in 2026?
Escape to the Country remains an active, in-production BBC One programme as of mid-2026. Season 27 premiered on 18 May 2026, and the show continues to air on weekdays, typically at 3:00 PM. With 27 seasons and over 1,265 episodes produced, it stands as one of the longest-running property shows on British television. The programme is available live on BBC One and on-demand via BBC iPlayer. For the most current schedule and episode information, consulting the official BBC channels is recommended. Escape to the Country continues to attract viewers seeking rural property inspiration and countryside living content.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the current presenters of Escape to the Country?
The current presenting team includes Sonali Shah, Jules Hudson, Ginny Buckley, Alistair Appleton, Nicki Chapman, and Richie Anderson. Jonnie Irwin was a former presenter who died in 2024.
Where can I watch Escape to the Country online?
Full episodes are available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast. The show also has an official YouTube channel with clips and full episodes.
Is Escape to the Country still on TV?
Yes. The show is still in production and airs new episodes on BBC One. Season 27 premiered on 18 May 2026.
How long is each episode of Escape to the Country?
Each episode typically runs for 45 minutes, though broadcast slots can vary slightly depending on scheduling.
What network airs Escape to the Country?
The programme airs on BBC One, the primary television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Are there international versions of Escape to the Country?
The format has been adapted in several countries, though the original BBC One version remains the most widely known.
Did any other presenters besides Jonnie Irwin die?
No. Jonnie Irwin is the only presenter from the show who has died. All other current and former presenters are alive.
Can I apply to be on Escape to the Country?
The BBC occasionally puts out casting calls for participants. Information about applications is typically posted on the show’s official Facebook page and BBC website.
What is the difference between Escape to the Country and I Escaped to the Country?
“I Escaped to the Country” is a celebrity spin-off series. The main show features ordinary homebuyers, while the spin-off follows famous individuals searching for rural properties.
How many episodes of Escape to the Country are there in total?
As of 2026, the show has produced over 1,265 episodes across 27 seasons.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.