Countryfile presenter John Craven, 85, has paid an emotional on-screen tribute to his late wife Marilyn, who passed away recently. The couple had been married for over 50 years, having met in the late 1960s while Craven was working at the BBC in Newcastle upon Tyne and Marilyn was a production secretary on Look North.
In a segment on the BBC show, Craven spoke fondly of his wife, describing her as his rock who kept him grounded throughout his career. He recalled how she supported his move to Bristol early in their relationship, which he called the best thing that ever happened to him.
Craven, who has presented Countryfile since 1986, previously shared his secret to a long marriage, saying Marilyn's understanding of the television industry was crucial. He told the Daily Mail in 2019: 'It helped that she worked in TV. She knew how it was.'
The broadcaster, who rose to fame on Newsround in the 1970s, has no plans to retire despite his age. He has expressed a desire to have his ashes scattered in his native Yorkshire, particularly on Otley Chevin, a place he loved cycling as a youth.
Craven's tribute to his wife has moved viewers, highlighting the deep bond they shared over five decades. The couple leaves behind two daughters and grandchildren.
