A Channel 4 television star has been charged with rape and sexual assault allegedly committed at an upmarket pub in Oxfordshire.
James Catling, 32, who recently appeared on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, is accused of attacking a woman at a pub in Great Tew in September 2022.
He has been charged with one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Catling was arrested the day after the alleged attack but was initially released under investigation.
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He was later charged by post in March this year, nearly two and a half years after the alleged incident.
Catling appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesterday afternoon, where he spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address.
He was dressed in black trousers and a chequered shirt during the brief hearing. The court granted him bail under the condition that he does not contact the alleged victim.
He is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court next month to face the charges. The court appearance came just two weeks after Catling was featured on Channel 4’s property programme.
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Channel 4. It remains unclear whether Catling informed the broadcaster about the charges before his episode aired.
Catling’s appearance on Amazing Spaces aired on April 15, where he showcased his renovation of a rare 1947 Airstream campervan.
Host George Clarke was visibly impressed by the transformation, describing it as “the best” he had ever seen “without a shadow of a doubt”.
Clarke also compared the interior to a “luxury private jet” during the programme.
The episode featured Catling’s journey of acquiring the vintage vehicle, which is reportedly the seventh oldest Airstream in the world.
He had flown to Boston specifically to purchase the rare model, which still featured original Airstream signs on the front and back.
The campervan required extensive restoration work to return it to its former glory.
According to the programme, Catling left his job as a property developer in 2019 to focus on restoring Airstream Silver Bullet campervans in Oxfordshire.
The renovation featured on the show involved adding 800 new rivets and panels while staying within a £40,000 budget.
The extensive work included polishing the metal to restore the campervan’s famous shine.
Catling has reportedly since listed the renovated campervan on eBay for £120,000.
Amazing Spaces has been airing since 2012, following Clarke as he visits unique properties that owners have transformed.
The show often features people who have converted unconventional spaces, including boats and vans, into liveable accommodation.