Adam Henson has revealed a ‘scary and pretty stupid’ Countryfile blunder almost led to major ‘casualties’ on the show’s BBC set.

The freak incident happened during a Christmas party for the show’s cast and crew, he detailed in his new book Christmas On The Farm.

The farmer and author, 58, admitted the very close call put veteran presenter John Craven and other team members at risk.

Using oxens as makeshift reindeers and John as Father Christmas in their secret Santa party, it all went down hill quite quickly.

In his book, Adam wrote: ‘As soon as we came into sight, lots of the presenters and crew ran out and jumped on the trailer which, in retrospect, was pretty stupid.’

The moment unfolded dramatically when a gust of win caught John’s Santa hat which startled the oxen.

Adam Henson, 58, has revealed a ‘scary and pretty stupid’ Countryfile blunder almost led to major ‘casualties’ on the show’s BBC set

The freak incident happened during a Christmas party for the show’s cast and crew, he detailed in his new book Christmas On The Farm

He added: ‘The oxen plodded on steadily until unfortunately a gust of wind suddenly whipped John’s red Santa hat off his head, and it fell past the face of Philip the ox.

‘Philip jerked, causing the trailer to jolt forward and everyone on board to jolt too.’

Adam shared his relief at the near-miss situation, adding he is glad everything didn’t end in a tragedy.

‘Thankfully nobody had fallen off the trailer and – although there was one scary moment when I thought he might – the ox didn’t bolt with the legend that is John Craven on his back’, he wrote.

It comes after Adam broke down in tears after finding out that his farmer wellbeing podcast saved someone’s life.

Adam has been open about his struggles losing a close friend to suicide and regularly talks about the worrying statistics surrounding mental health within the farming community.

He set up his podcast called Keeping On Track in collaboration with The Sound Doctor back in October 2023 and following a wave of positive feedback, revealed there is a second series in the works. 

Reflecting on a recent conversation from a listener, Adam told Farmer’s Guide: ‘I was at an event recently, and a lady came up to me and said “You saved my husband’s life.”

The farmer and author admitted the very close call put veteran presenter John Craven and other team members at risk

Using oxen’s as makeshift reindeers and John as Father Christmas in their secret Santa party, it all went down hill quite quickly

The moment unfolded dramatically when a gust of win caught John’s Santa hat which startled the oxen

Read More Adam Henson breaks down in tears after learning he saved life of farmer who had spiralled into ‘very dark place’

‘When quizzed, she explained that he’s a farm a manager and had been in a very dark place mentally, but the podcast series has given him a huge lift and helped him seek support. 

‘We hugged and both shed a tear. I thought to myself that if we’ve helped just one person, then it’s a job well done.’

Adam opened up about having been involved in farming his entire life and knowing that there are many things you ‘can’t control,’ which he believes is one of the reasons for the high suicide rate within the sector.

The aim of his series is to encourage communication within the farming community so no one has to suffer in silence.

A recent study by the Farm Safety Foundation revealed that 92% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today, which marks an increase from 82% in 2018.

Additionally, a study conducted by RABI has also shown that farmers have higher levels of mental ill-health than non-­ farmers and in 2021, it was found that one in three farming people were possibly or probably depressed.