Latest news with #BenFogle
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Ben Fogle pays tribute to late castaway 'who found joy after losing millions'
Ben Fogle pays tribute to late castaway 'who found joy after losing millions' David Glasheen, one of the original castaways who featured in the Channel 5 documentary series New Lives in the Wild, has passed away at the age of 81 Ben Fogle features in hit show New Lives in the Wild (Image: Channel 5 ) Ben Fogle has paid tribute to the late David Glasheen, a former millionaire who became known for his appearance on Channel 5's New Lives in the Wild. The news broke over the weekend that the ex-stockbroker had died at the age of 81, after becoming well-known for his simple way of life. David led a reclusive existence on Restoration Island, off North East Australia, with only his dog Quassi for company until the dingo was tragically killed by a snake bite in 2018. Following the loss of his fortune during the Black Monday stock market crash, which saw the market drop by 22% in just two days, Glasheen moved to the remote island in 1997. Ben Fogle visited David Glasheen in his Channel 5 docu-series (Image: Channel 5 ) Television presenter Ben, 51, has now shared a moving homage to David, conveying his sadness at the passing of the one-time gold mining magnate and real estate tycoon, reports Gloucestershire Live. Article continues below "He was one of the first Wildmen I visited for New Lives in the Wild," Fogle wrote in a caption on Instagram. "He lived alone on Restoration Island in North Eastern Australia with just his beloved dog/dingo cross, Quassi for company. "Dave lost his multi-million pound fortune overnight and on a whim relocated to the secluded Restoration Island where he discovered joy in tranquility and isolation. "He truly was one of a kind and I feel so lucky to have met him a few times and spent time with him on his little Australian paradise." Ben then shared: "It saddens me that so many of the folk I have met over the years are passing away but it is also a reminder of the value and preciousness of life. Martin Clunes travels the globe meeting characters that have formed extraordinary relationships with animals (Image: ITV ) "Make the most of this short time we have. Dave was 81 and lived the richest life I know. Dave found true happiness when he lost his millions and reconnected with nature." He ended his tribute with a green love heart emoji, adding: "Rest in Peace Dave." David had previously made known his wish to die on the isolated island, devoid of modern conveniences like electricity, fresh water, or internet. In a conversation from June 2017, David had stated: 'I want to die here – where else would I? Article continues below "This is my heaven on earth. 'When I came here I was sick of money – money is what makes people sick – and my marriage had broken apart. "But being on your own you do miss intelligent conversation and the physical contact of other people."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ben Fogle mourns death of New Lives in the Wild star who ‘found happiness after losing millions'
Ben Fogle has paid tribute to New Lives in the Wild contributor David Glasheen, who has died aged 81. The former stockbroker was featured on Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Wild in 2013 after he lost his millions in the stock exchange crash. Dubbed the "Millionaire Castaway", Glasheen moved to the remote Restoration Island off the coast of Australia in 1997, where he later hosted Fogle. A real-life Robinson Crusoe, he lived there with only wild dog Quassi for company. Quassi reportedly died of a snake bite in 2016 and he found another wild dog Polly who died in 2018. "Dave found true happiness when he lost his millions and reconnected with nature," Fogle wrote in a message on Instagram. "Rest in Peace Dave." The 51-year-old journalist remembered his "one of a kind" friend. Fogle shared some fun photographs of their time in the wild, including when they enjoyed a beach beer. "So sad to hear that Dave Glasheen has passed away," he wrote on Instagram. "He was one of the first Wildmen I visited for New Lives in the Wild." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ben Fogle (@benfogle) He added: "He lived alone on Restoration Island in North Eastern Australia with just his beloved dog/dingo cross, Quassi for company. "Dave had lost his multi million dollar fortune overnight and on a whim moved to remote Restoration island where he finally found happiness in tranquility and isolation. He really was one of a kind and I feel so fortunate to have met him a few times and spent time with him on his little Australian paradise. "It saddens me that so many of the folk I have met over the years are passing away but it is also a reminder of the value and preciousness of life. Make the most of this short time we have. Dave was 81 and lived the richest life I know." Fogle's meeting with Glasheen was memorable, and many New Lives in the Wild viewers shared their condolences in the comments. "Oh he was fabulous..i remember that show. Sorry to hear this he really lived his life didnt way he wanted," one person wrote. Another added: "He passed as one of the richest men alive. We could all be more like Dave. RIP." Someone else said: "I loved his story. What a fascinating man and life xx." Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Wild series finishes on Tuesday with a trip to a poo expert. (Channel 5) TV star Fogle travels worldwide to meet the brave people choosing to live a different life in nature, off-grid. He always forges close bonds with the people he visits on his popular Channel 5 series New Lives in the Wild. Those relationships made are for life, and the journalist often films revisits for the series, too. Fogle revisited Glasheen for the 2017 series of New Lives in the Wild. "I stay in touch with everyone," Fogle told Yahoo UK in 2024 of those relationships. "They become real friends. It is an intense friendship formed in a very short time."
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Millionaire Castaway' David Glasheen dead at 81 after starring in Channel 5 island doc with Ben Fogle
'NATIONAL TREASURE' 'Millionaire Castaway' David Glasheen dead at 81 after starring in Channel 5 island doc with Ben Fogle Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Former millionaire David Glasheen, who moved to a desert island after losing his fortune, has died aged 81. The ex-stockbroker had been living alone on the idyllic Restoration Island, located off North East Australia, since 1997 after losing his fortune in the stock exchange crash 10 years prior. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Former millionaire David Glasheen has died 4 David Glasheen had been living on a desert island for over 20 years 4 David featured in Ben Fogle's Channel 5 documentary and showed his stripped back lifestyle Credit: Instagram / benfogle 4 The former millionaire lived in a wooden shack and has a limited internet connection David featured in Ben Fogle's Channel 5 documentary and showed his stripped back lifestyle, with Australian media hailing him as a "national treasure" and "global icon". The ex-gold mining tycoon and property magnate, who at his most successful was worth an estimated £22million, lived in a wooden beach shack with only his loyal dog Polly for company. But despite having limited electricity, fresh water and facing regular battles against deadly wildlife, the bearded exile insisted he felt safe on the island in an interview a few years ago. He said: "Here there are snakes, spiders and crocodiles but it is safer here than lots of other parts of the world when you hear about terrorist attacks. "I love it here because I have my safety, no matter how old and how tough you are you still want to go to bed knowing you are not going to be attacked.' Self-sufficient David, who was born in Sydney's Northern Beaches to an Irish family, added at the time that there was nowhere he'd rather be than on his "heaven on earth" natural paradise. He said: "I want to die here – where else would I? This is my heaven on earth. "When I came here I was sick of money – money is what makes people sick – and my marriage had broken apart. "But being on your own you do miss intelligent conversation and the physical contact of other people. "I would love to find a partner who wants to live with me here, or a couple of ladies who want to come and visit a couple of times a year. "The elements and wildlife are dangerous – if you do get into trouble here, you are pretty much dead. The saltwater crocodiles are beautiful animals – they are dangerous but I love them.' Broadcaster Ben shared the tragic news on social media. The tribute read: "So sad to hear that Dave Glasheen has passed away. "He was one of the first Wildmen I visited for New Lives in the Wild. "He really was one of a kind and I feel so fortunate to have met him a few times and spent time with him on his little Australian paradise. "Dave was 81 and lived the richest life I know. "Dave found true happiness when he lost his millions and reconnected with nature. "Rest in Peace Dave." Born to a wealthy family originally from County Cork, Ireland, David was educated at a private boarding school and began a career as a businessman after university. He developed a gold mining company in Papua New Guinea but lost an estimated £5.5 million in the 12 months after the October 1987 global financial crash. Soon after David's wife left him and when he met a new girlfriend who told him she wanted to run away to a desert island he began searching for such a place. He first visited the 100-acre Restoration Island – located almost 621 miles from Cairns, the nearest city, in 1993 before moving for good when he secured a 50-year lease from the state of Queensland in May 1997. And though his then-partner decided life as a hunter gatherer was not for her, David made the exiled existence his own despite legal wrangles over the years. The bearded castaway entertained backpackers, tourists and even Russell Crowe to his isolated oasis. An internet connection allowed David to follow the news, keep in touch with the outside world via social media and watch Britain's Got Talent videos on YouTube - once a guilty pleasure of his. But he has no direct electricity – relying on solar panels and a backup generator – and limited running water was only installed a few years ago.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Millionaire Castaway' David Glasheen dead at 81 after starring in Channel 5 island doc with Ben Fogle
Former millionaire David Glasheen, who moved to a desert island after losing his fortune, has died aged 81. The ex-stockbroker had been living alone on the idyllic Restoration Island, located off North East Australia, since 1997 after losing his fortune in the stock exchange crash 10 years prior. 4 4 4 4 David featured in Ben Fogle's Channel 5 documentary and showed his stripped back lifestyle. The ex-gold mining tycoon and property magnate, who at his most successful was worth an estimated £22million, lived in a wooden beach shack with only his loyal dog Polly for company. But despite having limited electricity, fresh water and facing regular battles against deadly wildlife, the bearded exile insisted he felt safe on the island in an interview a few years ago. He said: "Here there are snakes, spiders and crocodiles but it is safer here than lots of other parts of the world when you hear about terrorist attacks. "I love it here because I have my safety, no matter how old and how tough you are you still want to go to bed knowing you are not going to be attacked.' Self-sufficient David, who was born in Sydney's Northern Beaches to an Irish family, added at the time that there was nowhere he'd rather be than on his "heaven on earth" natural paradise. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bournemouth family who bought Bulgarian farmhouse have no regrets
It's been three years since Lewis and Jordan Vye packed up their rented flat in Bournemouth and moved their family to couple had bought a dilapidated farmhouse online for £7,000, only viewing it for the first time when they arrived with their two children and fond memories of home and now facing a new set of challenges, they insist they have no regrets."I really enjoy my life here and, the truth is, I don't think you could pay me to return - I enjoy it that much," said Mr Vye. The property in Haskovo Province included a two-acre (0.8 hectare) plot of land, a barn and a house but it had been abandoned for 20 years and, when the family arrived, it was uninhabitable, leaving them no choice but to live in their caravan."We've been working hard," said Mr Vye."It's in a better state now."It's been tough - I don't come from a building background and we had no choice but to renovate this property. That in itself has been stressful."The pair have been documenting their progress on social media, watched by hundreds of thousands of Vye said: "It's great for us because we get to look back and see how bad it was and how far we've come."I'm not going to lie and say there are things we don't miss [about England] but I'm definitely closer to the life I want." The couple say they were inspired after "binge watching" Ben Fogle's TV series, New Lives in the Wild, about people starting new lives in remote went full circle when, earlier this year, they appeared on their own episode of the Channel 5 show."Oh man, what a dream come true," said Mr Vye."We wouldn't be here without watching that because it gave us the courage to get up and go for it ourselves."We've lived the majority of our lives in Bournemouth - it's not that we've got a bad thing to say about it - but it was time for us to go on a different adventure." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
