**Noel Edmonds: Life Off-Camera in New Zealand Revealed by Collaborator**
Noel Edmonds, the well-known British television host, has been making headlines since his surprising move to rural New Zealand back in 2019. Now, a close co-worker and neighbour has shed new light on what the former Deal or No Deal presenter is really like away from the glare of the TV cameras, offering an intimate view of his day-to-day life on a sprawling estate in a quiet Kiwi valley.
Edmonds’ journey to New Zealand began shortly after his memorable stint in “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!”. He and his wife Liz settled on the River Haven estate in Ngatimoti, a multi-million-pound property comprising 12 separate dwellings, its own vineyard, and an on-site pub uniquely named The B*gger Inn. This sanctuary has not only served as his new home but has also attracted attention from media outlets, with ITV reportedly set to chronicle his New Zealand exploits in an upcoming documentary.
Among those who have worked alongside Edmonds is Julie Crook, a British expatriate living nearby. Julie first got involved when she volunteered to help at the vineyard during the grape harvest, a collaboration that ended up being captured by ITV’s cameras. According to Julie, Edmonds’ off-air personality is indistinguishable from the affable figure known to the British public. She insists that his kindness and warmth are genuine, describing him as someone who “goes out of his way” for others.
She recounted in an interview that, regardless of whether cameras were rolling, Edmonds would make sure the vineyard team were comfortable, providing water and refreshments and making a concerted effort to learn everyone’s names. His habit of striking up conversations with diners at The B*gger Inn, no matter if they recognised him or not, exemplifies the approachable character he brings to his new community.
Julie also dismissed claims that Edmonds is detached from the realities of rural life. Far from shying away from manual labour, the veteran TV star has thrown himself wholeheartedly into the physical work required on a working vineyard. She shared her observations of his hands-on attitude: “He doesn’t avoid getting stuck in – Noel is often right there in the thick of it, sleeves rolled up.”
Yet, Edmonds’ transition to Aotearoa has not been without controversy. The purchase of River Haven sparked debate both locally and further afield, with some questioning the impact of high-profile expatriate arrivals on small New Zealand communities. However, Julie believes he has had a positive effect, arguing that Edmonds’ presence has boosted tourism and shone a spotlight on the rural township of Ngatimoti. “His vineyard alone has brought considerable attention to the area,” she observed.
Charitable gestures have also marked Edmonds’ time in New Zealand. Notably, he donated $10,000 to help relieve the debt of a local school – a contribution that Julie highlighted as evidence of his commitment to giving back. Acts like this suggest an individual keen to integrate and make a tangible difference beyond mere celebrity.
Despite these efforts, Edmonds’ quintessentially British sense of humour has sometimes lost its way in translation. According to Julie, the dry wit and banter that endeared him to UK audiences are not always fully appreciated by the Kiwi locals, many of whom are unfamiliar with his television persona. “The humour can seem a bit odd from their point of view,” she explained, “but as a fellow Brit, I can see what he’s getting at.”
The forthcoming documentary promises an inside look at how Edmonds and his wife have adapted to their new surroundings. Viewers can expect to witness everything from Edmonds explaining his daily health routine and showcasing a golden statue outside his pub, to sharing whimsical stories about being “an emperor in a past life.” Such eccentricities hint at the larger-than-life personality that has long defined his career.
As Edmonds carves out a new life far from the limelight of British television, it appears he remains as distinctive, generous, and hard-working as ever. Whether or not New Zealand fully understands his brand of humour, one thing is clear: Noel Edmonds has brought a slice of British celebrity—and a genuine spirit of community—to a corner of the Southern Hemisphere.