Noel Edmonds has addressed comparisons to Clarkson’s Farm as he prepares for his return to television with a new series about his family’s move to New Zealand. The 76-year-old TV legend is reportedly making a £1 million comeback this month after relocating to New Zealand with his wife Liz in 2018.
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His upcoming show, Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure, follows the couple’s journey as they purchase land near Ngatimoti and build a hospitality business at the heart of the local community.
The show has already drawn comparisons to Jeremy Clarkson’s farming series—but in a recent interview, Noel shared his thoughts on the similarities and differences.
When we were filming our show, some people who knew about Clarkson’s Farm said to me, ‘Oh, is it like Clarkson’s Farm?’
Speaking to The Sun, Noel said,
No, it couldn’t be more different, First of all, I’m not like Jeremy in many ways, though I wish I were. He’s brilliant. He can articulate an argument beautifully and deliver a sharp, humorous line like no one else. The key difference between our Kiwi Adventure and Clarkson’s Farm is that ours is more of a lifestyle narrative.
Noel responded
Noel’s New Zealand venture features a vineyard, a coffee cart, a general store, and a restaurant & pub, with cameras capturing the couple as they reopen the business to the public for its second full season. He also has ambitious plans to create New Zealand’s first energy garden. But as the business takes shape, it faces real-world challenges—from unpredictable weather and negative press to the feeling of being an outsider.
As Noel and his wife continue adjusting to their new Kiwi life, the big question remains: will his adventurous spirit and bold ideas withstand everything New Zealand throws their way? Last year, MailOnline reported that Noel may rival Clarkson’s Farm with a £1 million ITV deal.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson’s Amazon Prime series remains a massive success, with recent viewing figures showing it was the most-watched show of the week in just 48 hours.
A TV insider told The Sun last year about Noel Edmonds’ return to television:
Noel’s incredible – and very eccentric – life is going to make TV gold. New Zealand is still struggling with the after-effects of their draconian lockdown laws and execs are hoping that Noel will do for tourism what Jeremy has done for British farming. There was a feeding frenzy from production companies to secure the rights, and everyone knows this could be a huge comeback for Noel.
Noel moved to New Zealand in 2019 with his wife, former make-up artist Liz Davies. He initially launched a network of radio stations near Auckland before relocating to Ngatimoti three years later.
In addition to the winery, Noel owns a shop, restaurant, pub, and café on a £15 million estate. In 2023, he sparked controversy when some residents accused him of “colonising” their village.
The Deal Or No Deal host has also taken up winemaking at River Haven and has purchased 12 properties across 270 hectares of land. Ngatimoti, where he now lives, is known for its annual festival that draws thousands of attendees each October.
In 2023, Noel found himself at the center of a heated dispute with locals who accused him of “colonising” their peaceful village. One resident claimed, “I feel like he’s a coloniser. He’s come in like he’s the lord of the manor.” The situation wasn’t helped by the TV star posing for photos on his estate while holding a mug that read “His Lordship.” The same resident added, “He’s got this attitude… about how he’s improved the place and made it amazing – it was already amazing.”
Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure airs on ITV on Friday, June 20.
Source: Daily Mail