In the aftermath of a devastating sewage flood in 2021, a couple made the difficult decision to relocate, leaving behind a home filled with cherished memories, particularly memorabilia collected by Brian. The incident left them heartbroken, spurring a search for a new beginning.

Anita recounts how her husband was instantly captivated by their new environment even before setting eyes on the property. His affection for the natural beauty of the place, with its lush trees, vibrant flowers, expansive grass, and serene lake, was undeniable. “How could I take him away from that?” she pondered during an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, reflecting on their transition from the bustling streets of London to the tranquility of the countryside.

Yet, this move came with a bittersweet realization for Anita. At 76, she mused, “I remember thinking, ‘I’m buying my own retirement home,’ because it’s quiet.” Despite her fond memories of London—the lively lights, the hustle and bustle, and even the grime she was accustomed to—she acknowledged the future that lay ahead for her and Brian.

Brian, now 78, occasionally shares glimpses of their idyllic home on Instagram. Among its features, the property includes an observatory, perfectly catering to his fascination with stargazing.

Brian, 78, has occasionally offered glimpses of their home on Instagram. The property is said to boast an observatory which allows Brian to indulge his passion for the stars.

While the east wing is said to house an indoor swimming pool, studio, spa, sauna and gym. Last year Anita admitted that her husband is a “hoarder” and has a huge range of Star Wars memorabilia.

She says he insists on buying two of everything as well – one for himself and one for his grandchildren, explaining: “He’s a big collector. He buys a packaged one and one that he can have for the grandkids.

“He’s bought quite a lot. It’s eased off a bit, as he’s gone through life. His favourite is the little green guy, he loves Yoda.”

Anita revealed Brian also enjoys collecting dinosaurs and figures of prehistoric creatures “like most kids do.” EastEnders star Anita says she has previously tried clearing out some of their possessions but regularly fails, because she also has “semi-hoarding tendencies”.

She told Music News: “I always think I’ve got to have a clear out, and a lot of my clothes go to the local hospice. But there’s so much stuff.

“The way I look at it, my husband is a hoarder and I’m a semi-hoarder. I try to lessen the accumulation of stuff that comes in. My husband is really clever so any little things that come in that you think are useless he will go, ‘No, no, don’t get rid of that because it might come in useful.’

“And it does,” she added. “Something he is fixing, or something he has decided to add, and there it is, he’s got it in his DIY box.”

Brian will be appearing on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh from 9.30am on ITV One this morning. He will be appearing alongside cricket pundit Phil Tufnell and actress Denise Black.