Countryfile's Adam Henson life off screen from famous family to wife's cancer battle

Adam Henson, a familiar face on our television screens since 2001, has become an integral part of Countryfile.

The 59-year-old presenter is one of several hosts on the BBC show, which first aired in 1988. The line-up also includes Helen Skelton, Matt Baker, Steven Brown, Tom Heap and others.

Adam's fervour for farming is evident on the programme, unsurprising given his family background in farming and his own farm away from the show.

Let's delve into Adam's life off-camera, exploring his marriage, renowned family and early years...

Adam was born and raised on Bemborough Farm, Gloucestershire, where he now works, reports Gloucestershire Live.

He attended Cheltenham College and Northleach, before earning a HND in Agriculture at Seale-Hayne Agricultural College in Devon. It was here that he met his business partner, Duncan Andrews.

After graduation, Adam and Duncan journeyed through Australia and New Zealand, working on sheep and arable stations as well as a kiwi plantation. In 1998, they took over the lease of Bemborough Farm from Adam's father and jointly manage the estate.

Adam also operates the Cotswold Farm Park, a venture started by his father. The farm draws around 70,000 visitors each year.

Adam hails from a notable family, with his grandfather being Leslie Henson, a comedian and actor.

Adam Henson, son of Joe Henson MBE, the esteemed farmer and founder of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, has carved a niche for himself in the world of television. His father, renowned for his contributions to BBC's Animal Magic, laid the foundation for Adam's passion for farming and wildlife.

Adam's family is no stranger to the spotlight, with his uncle Nicky Henson making waves as an accomplished actor and cousin Christian Henson earning accolades as a composer.

Since 2001, Adam has been a familiar face on BBC's Countryfile, a role that has opened doors to other prestigious gigs with the broadcaster, including Radio 4's On Your Farm and Farming Today, not to mention presenting stints on Lambing Live and Gardener's World.

His collaboration with Nigel Slater on Nigel and Adam's Farm Kitchen further cemented his status as a TV personality.

Beyond the small screen, Adam has ventured into the literary world, boasting a portfolio of over six published books.

In his personal life, Adam is happily married to Charlotte, affectionately known as Charlie.

The couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony during the pandemic, celebrating their union after nearly three decades together.

They are proud parents to Alfie and Ella.

Tragically, in 2020, Charlie faced a harrowing battle with pancreatic cancer, which began with persistent stomach pains over Christmas. Despite the initial symptoms, it wasn't until months later that she sought medical help.

Both Adam and Charlie have courageously shared their experiences with her diagnosis, with Adam confessing the profound impact it had on him, leaving him "totally lost" and in "shock" upon learning of his wife's illness.

After a successful operation and treatment, Charlie announced last year that she is on the road to recovery.

This prompted the couple's decision to walk down the aisle in 2020, realising marriage was important after many years of feeling it unnecessary.

"It's ridiculous but I really, really wanted everyone to know how much I love Adam; most importantly, I wanted him to know. It was suddenly such a big thing," expressed Charlie, opening up to The Telegraph about her change of heart.

Originally seeing her children with Adam as their union, Charlie confessed a wedding had never mattered until now: "We had been together for many years and had never felt we needed to marry: for me, having children with Adam was our commitment to each other. A wedding had never been important. Now, suddenly, it was the most important thing in the world," she revealed.

Countryfile airs on BBC One on Sundays at 7:00 PM.