SHOCK MOVE
‘Burnt out’ TV star of iconic daytime show calls time out to embark on totally different job
He has had a tough few years and said the move is about "investing in our future"
ESCAPE to the Country's Jules Hudson has hit pause on presenting to focus on a lifelong passion.
The 54-year-old said burnout forced him to think about his future and what makes him happy.
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After encouragement from wife Tania, Jules embarked on a course that will give him the skills for a totally different career.
The BBC star told the : “Late last year, I realised I was quite burnt out and needed a creative and emotional reset.
"It was a family discussion, and we are investing in our future."
The Countryfile presenter is now enrolled on a 12-week "intense" furniture making course in Lyme Regis, Dorset.
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He is staying with a family in the seaside town while studying at the Boat Building Academy and Furniture Making School.
Jules visited the academy in a 2012 episode of Escape to the Country and "fell in love" with it.
The presenter, who saves old furniture in his spare time, added: "It stuck in my mind, and I always wanted to return.
"But when you have a family and are working, life just moves on, and you go with it."
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After a tough few years the dad - who also presents Winter on the Farm with Helen Skelton - said it was time for a "reset" and he took the plunge.
He is keeping his social media followers up to date on his progress and is encouraging others to push their boundaries and enrich their mental health.
Escape to the Country couple reveal astonishing budget of £850k
Jules has no plans to leave Escape to The Country, which he has presented since 2007.
He recently returned to Morning Live following the death of his dad, Clifford, in 2022.
He previously said of his father's death: "I don’t think you ever quite prepare yourself for it.
"I haven’t experienced a huge personal loss like that in my life. I’m lucky to have got through to my 50s before having to confront these things."
Will Reed, director of the BBA said: “Jules is an absolute pleasure to have around – so friendly and enthusiastic."
ON THE BRINK
Heading for burnout? Follow these six steps to avoid it
Commit To Change:
“Avoid the misconception of recovering from burnout and resuming your normal routine, as this will only lead to a recurrence,” says Melissa Day, therapist and holistic medicine practitioner at Niroshini 360.
“Define the things in life that are personally and professionally important to you,” says Dr Lynda Folan, workplace psychologist and managing director at Inspired Development.
Start Healthy Habits:
Stay fit, eat healthily and remember to get enough sleep.
Identify Your Identity:
Certain personality traits can make you more vulnerable to burnout.
Prioritise Monotasking:
“You cannot put 100% into one task if you are constantly juggling too many plates,” says Adam Butler, CEO of Officeology.
“Making a list of the key tasks that are most important and numbering them in order of urgency can help create a clear roadmap of your daily workload,” Adam says.
Suggest Solutions:
Avoiding burnout is a two-way street – your employer needs to meet you halfway.
Establish Boundaries:
“Boundaries are limits you set around how you allow other people to engage with you in order to ensure your relationships stay healthy and your mental health, energy, mood and time are protected,” says Melissa Urban, author of The Book Of Boundaries.
For example, you might outline how you prefer to receive feedback or set time windows when interruptions should be kept to a minimum.
“By clearly and kindly upholding your limits in a work situation, it is teaching people how to treat you,” Melissa says.
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