BBC One and Naked West (a Fremantle label) have today announced five special episodes of Celebrity Escape to the Country, a brand-new spin-off series following the long-standing success of the original format Escape to the Country.

The beloved house-hunting show is now getting a sprinkling of star dust in this brand-new 5 x 45 celebrity edition. Celebrity Escape to the Country welcomes an exciting host of well-known faces hoping to make a countryside relocation including the nation’s favourite panto dame and King of the Jungle, Christopher Biggins; Bucks Fizz popstar, Cheryl Baker; TV health professional, Doctor Ranj Singh; Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec; and TV quiz sensation, Jenny Ryan AKA ‘The Vixen’ from The Chase.

First launching in 2002, the BBC’s longest running property show Escape to the Country has showcased an idyllic look into rural Britain’s property market, giving urban homeowners an insight into a prospective country life. Guided by the property experts, the buyers decide whether or not to swap the hustle and bustle of city living in favour of the slower quietude of the countryside. Celebrity Escape to the Country will see our celebrity house hunters explore the serene landscapes and lifestyles of the Home Counties, Cheshire, the Peak District, Lancashire, Kent and Sussex.

John Comerford, Head of Naked West, says: “We love helping prospective rural dwellers find their dream homes and we’re delighted the BBC have commissioned this special series giving us all an insight into our favourite celebrities’ lives as they look to swap the city for a new home in the country.”

Julie Shaw, Commissioning Editor, BBC Daytime and Factual, added: "Escape to the Country has been a staple in the BBC daytime schedule for 21 years. Audiences love this programme and watching the journeys the house-hunters go on, so it was about time we got to go house hunting with some famous faces. I can’t wait for this to land in the schedules.”

The celebrity specials will be on BBC One and iPlayer in December.

Celebrity Escape to the Country has been commissioned for BBC One and iPlayer by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, the Commissioning Editor is Julie Shaw. Celebrity Escape to the Country is a Naked West (a Fremantle label) the Executive Producers on the series for Naked are Emma Smith and John Comerford.