BBC Escape to the Country guest dies aged 53 following alcoholism battle after searching for ‘perfect new life’ on show
A woman who appeared on BBC’s Escape to the Country in search of a “perfect new life” has died from alcohol-related causes, an inquest has revealed.
Emma Izzard, 53, passed away at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital last November after suffering an oesophageal bleed linked to alcohol-related liver disease.
Izzard featured on the popular property programme in 2021 alongside her then partner Kym Lofthouse.
The couple, who were living in Luton, Bedfordshire, sought presenter Ginny Buckley’s help to find their dream home in Norfolk, drawn by the area’s “clean air” and “slower pace of life”.
They successfully relocated to North Walsham, though later separated whilst remaining friends.
The inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that Izzard was rushed to hospital by ambulance on November 19 after she began vomiting blood.
She went into cardiac arrest upon arrival but was revived.
The following day, whilst undergoing a gastroscopy in the operating theatre, she suffered another cardiac arrest and died.
A doctor’s report gave the medical cause of death as oesophageal and variceal bleed, with alcohol-related liver disease.
Coroner Johanna Thompson concluded it was an alcohol-related death. She said: “At the hospital, Emma was clearly presenting as very poorly.
“She was white, dehydrated, and was considered to have symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. Sadly, after being given surgery, treatment could not save her at the end of the day.”
The court heard that Izzard’s struggles with alcohol intensified when her mother was hospitalised in July 2022.
Lofthouse revealed in a statement: “Emma had a very strong bond with her mother. Emma lived with her for many years and continued to look after her even when she did move out.”
She added: “[Emma’s] alcohol levels increased when her mother was taken to the hospital in July 2022, and she thought she was going to lose her.”
Over the following two years, Izzard self-funded multiple rehabilitation stints and an at-home detox, but relapses caused her drinking “to become heavier”.
She also attended AA meetings and received support from the alcohol misuse charity, Change Grow Live.
“Emma did not want to drink, but it had taken a strong hold of her,” Lofthouse said.
Escape to the Country, which first aired on October 14, 2002, has become one of the BBC’s most enduring daytime programmes.
The show consistently ranks as the top-rated programme in its daytime slot on BBC One.
Originally produced by Talkback Thames, the format has evolved significantly over its 25 series.
Early episodes featured families viewing properties via laptop before visiting their favourites, but the show later adapted to feature all property viewings in person.
The programme underwent major changes in 2021 to address contemporary rural issues, including sustainability and climate change.
Current presenters include Nicki Chapman, Jules Hudson, and Ginny Buckley, who helped Izzard and Lofthouse during their 2021 appearance.