John Craven's private life away from cameras – including 50-year marriage to his 'rock'

Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in 1940, John developed a passion for journalism at an early age. According to BBC's Countryfile, the presenter "used to sit in the kitchen and read out the articles in the Yorkshire Evening Post like a newscaster for his parents." 

Beginning his career in print journalism, John worked his way up the ladder, writing for the Yorkshire Post before moving to the BBC and setting up in Bristol in 1970. From 1972 to 1989, John worked on Newsround, where he presented over 3,000 episodes, before moving on to Countryfile in 1989. The star recently celebrated 35 years on the flagship show, making him its longest-serving presenter. 

Outside of work, John enjoys travelling and has been to more than 80 countries – although his favourite rural place resides in the UK, in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. When he's not filming, John enjoys a quieter life in Oxfordshire, where he's lived for many years with his wife. The pair also share two daughters, Emma and Victoria, and are proud grandparents to their children. 

The Countryfile presenter reportedly met his wife sometime before 1970, when John was working at the BBC and Marilyn was a production secretary on its regional programme Look North. While the pair lead a fairly private life, they've enjoyed over 50 years together.

In 2019, John told the Daily Mail: "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."