Countryfile star Adam Henson once feared that introducing a new family member would bring “heartache” to his household. The 59-year-old broadcaster, known for his work on BBC’s Countryfile and as the operator of Cotswold Farm Park, has two adult children, Alfie and Ella, with his wife Charlie.
In his book Christmas on the Farm, Adam recounts a memorable Christmas when he struggled to find the perfect gift for Charlie. His search led him to a farm where a litter of kittens was up for adoption.
Despite the family’s earlier decision not to get another cat after the loss of their beloved pet Percy, Adam saw potential in the kittens as a Christmas present. “Desperate for an idea for Charlie’s present, these kittens seemed a good choice,” he recalled. The farmer told Adam that if he could catch one of the elusive kittens, he could take it home. After some effort, Adam succeeded.
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However, it quickly became apparent why the kitten had been difficult to catch. “She was sneezy and her little tummy was bloated; she was a sad little creature,” Adam explained. Even the farmer expressed doubt about the kitten’s survival chances.
Nonetheless, Adam brought the frail kitten home and stopped along the way to buy emergency supplies. He gave the kitten to Charlie, admitting that he never could have kept her hidden and recognizing the care she needed. Charlie’s reaction was a mix of love and concern, as Adam feared he’d brought potentially a lot of heartache for the family.
Adam even began to regret his decision when the farm vet visited that same day due to the kitten’s uncertain health. Yet, against the odds, the kitten thrived and grew into a beautiful, fluffy cat the family named Twiglet.
Though Adam admits he is truly a “dog person,” Twiglet became the family’s favorite Christmas gift. He believes it was the perfect time for a new addition, with Alfie and Ella aged six and ten, respectively. The children adored Twiglet, and she quickly settled into life on their Gloucestershire farm.
Twiglet went on to give birth to two litters of kittens, one of which—a kitten named Frank—remained with the family.
Adam Henson, who gained fame after winning a national competition to join Countryfile, is set to appear again on the show in Countryfile’s A Cornish Christmas, airing December 21 at 5:05 pm on BBC One. Alongside Matt Baker and Anita Rani, he will explore festive traditions in Cadgwith.