In a startling and deeply personal revelation, beloved Escape to the Country presenter Alistair Appleton has disclosed he once experienced a severe panic attack while filming the iconic BBC property show, leaving him wanting to literally "run away" from the set.
The presenter, known for his calm and reassuring demeanour guiding house-hunters through the British countryside, described the incident as a moment of pure terror that unfolded in front of the cameras and a bewildered crew.
The Moment the Cameras Stopped
Appleton recounted the event, explaining how a perfect storm of exhaustion and personal pressure culminated in an overwhelming wave of anxiety. "I was doing a piece to camera and I just lost my words, I lost the ability to think, he shared. "I had a full-blown panic attack. My heart was racing, I couldn't breathe properly, and I just wanted to run away from the entire situation."
The production was halted, a rare occurrence for the usually smooth-running programme. The crew, initially confused, quickly switched to a mode of care and concern for their host.
A Journey to Mindfulness and Advocacy
This on-screen crisis became a pivotal moment for Appleton, forcing him to confront his mental wellbeing head-on. It catalysed a profound personal journey away from the high-pressure world of television towards spirituality and mindfulness practices.
Now a qualified psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher, Appleton has traded property tours for a quieter life in Sussex. He has since become a vocal advocate for mental health, using his own experience to help others.
His message is clear: mental health struggles can affect anyone, even those who appear most composed on television. His story dismantles the stigma surrounding panic attacks and anxiety, highlighting that help and recovery are possible.
