Television presenter Noel Edmonds has refuted suggestions that ITV cancelled his recent programme about his New Zealand lifestyle, insisting he turned down the opportunity to film additional episodes.
The 76-year-old broadcaster addressed speculation surrounding the future of his three-part series through a video message on Instagram, explaining that the original agreement with ITV covered only three instalments.
“They only ever contracted to three films,” Mr Edmonds stated in his social media post. When the broadcaster approached him earlier this year about producing further content, both he and his wife Liz declined the offer.
“No aggravation. We just said ‘no, thank you. We don’t want to do any more’. So, it wasn’t axed,” he clarified to his followers.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
The former radio personality’s documentary series, which premiered on ITV in June, followed his relocation to New Zealand with wife Elizabeth Davies six years ago.
The programme showcased their establishment of a hospitality venture called River Haven in their adopted country.
An ITV representative confirmed to media outlets that whilst viewers can still access the existing episodes on ITVX, no additional instalments are planned.
“There are no current plans for more new episodes but audiences can enjoy the show on ITVX,” the spokesperson stated.
Reports had emerged suggesting the programme’s discontinuation represented a setback for Mr Edmonds, with sources claiming he believed the concept had strong potential.
The series generated positive and negative responses from both audiences and television critics during its initial run.
Despite maintaining New Zealand as his primary residence, the television veteran has acquired a property on the Isle of Man where he intends to reside for portions of the year.
Speaking to Manx Radio, Mr Edmonds revealed his recent purchase: “I have purchased a property on the island and I intend to spend some of the year here [but] my principal home is New Zealand.”
The broadcaster first visited the Isle of Man three years ago and expressed surprise at not having explored the location earlier in his life.
“When you consider that I’d lived in the UK all my life and I knew where it was geographically, I don’t know why I didn’t come before,” he told the station.
Mr Edmonds has affectionately dubbed the location the “Smile of Man,” citing the happiness of its residents.
The former Top of the Pops presenter expressed particular admiration for the Isle of Man’s community values during his radio interview. He highlighted how residents “look out for each other” and praised their local pride.
“I tell you the other thing that really impressed me – you’re bloody proud of the island, and you’re proud of the community, and across the water there [in the UK], you don’t get that anymore,” Edmonds remarked.
Although his television series has concluded, Edmonds assured supporters that updates about his life would continue through digital platforms.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Thomas Skinner shares statement to Narinder Kaur as she slams Strictly signing: ‘Not here to divide’Lorraine star confirmed as BBC Strictly contestant amid recent ITV cuts blow: ‘Can’t wait’Peter Andre breaks 16-year silence with furious statement about ex-wife Katie Price over ‘lies’
“The adventure will be continuing and you’ll be able to stay up to date with events in my life and what is going on at River Haven in New Zealand on YouTube and on social media,” he confirmed in his video message.