Ben Fogle Opens Up on Quitting UK as He Warns 'We're All in Danger'
Television presenter Ben Fogle has issued a stark warning that the United Kingdom is in peril of being "overwhelmed with noise, materialism and fear", as he contemplates abandoning the country entirely. The 52-year-old, who first shot to fame on the BBC reality programme Castaway 2000, revealed he experienced a "small breakdown" in 2023, attributing it to the chaotic influence of social media platforms.
From Castaway Fame to Mental Health Struggles
Ben Fogle rose to prominence through the groundbreaking social experiment Castaway 2000, which placed 36 individuals on the isolated Scottish island of Taransay to test self-sufficiency as the new millennium dawned. Since then, he has presented numerous television programmes, including Countryfile and Cash in the Attic. However, in a candid admission, Fogle acknowledges feeling anxiety and nervousness for the first time in his life in 2023, after becoming overwhelmed by the "noise and chaos" of social media.
This personal crisis led him to declare that there is a "mental health epidemic" gripping the nation. He maintains that a significant stigma still surrounds conversations about mental health challenges, making it difficult for many to seek help or speak openly about their struggles.
The Impact of Social Media and Off-Grid Aspirations
In the wake of his "wobble", Ben Fogle is set to return to television screens with New Lives in the Wild, a programme that demonstrates how living off-grid can assist individuals dealing with bereavement, financial difficulties, or mental wellbeing issues. Inspired by this, he has sounded the alarm about social media's detrimental impact.
In a conversation with Radio Times magazine, Fogle warned: "We're all in danger of being overwhelmed with noise, materialism and fear. Social media has become an avalanche of negativity, fuels hate, encourages constant comparison and adds to the cacophony." He admits that despite being an early adopter of social media, he now spends considerably less time on these platforms, opting instead for activities like watching television or listening to podcasts.
Fogle even contemplates leaving Britain to pursue an off-grid existence, stating: "One day I'd like to find a little off-grid cabin of my own, perhaps somewhere in Norway or Sweden - an island in the Arctic Circle sounds nice - where I can disappear into nature." He envisions a lifestyle involving chopping firewood, taking early-morning dips, and paddling in his Canadian canoe, which he believes would allow him to master new skills such as painting or boat-building.
A Canine Companion and Lasting Legacy
Ben Fogle acknowledges that his off-grid vision would not be complete without a canine companion. He fondly recalls his cherished black Labrador, Inca, who appeared alongside him on Castaway 2000. The television personality faced the heartbreaking decision to have Inca euthanised in 2012, but he credits her with playing a pivotal role in his life and career.
Writing in The Telegraph, Fogle reflected: "Without Inca, I'm not sure how well I would have fared for the whole year. She was my reason - and excuse - to go off and explore the island... Castaway thrust me into the public eye. Stripped of my anonymity, I suddenly became a household name, but not without Inca." He believes he "owes everything" to Inca, noting that their partnership helped cement his name in the public consciousness.
As Ben Fogle continues to advocate for mental health awareness and off-grid living, his new series New Lives in the Wild returns to Channel 5, offering viewers insights into alternative lifestyles that prioritise wellbeing over digital noise.
