Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has revealed how house-hunting in the Kent countryside opened his eyes to a whole new side of the county.
The former England footballer, who has lived in Ashford for decades, will appear on BBC’s Celebrity Escape to the Country this evening (Sunday) with wife Leah.
He told KentOnline this week how he never realised just how many villages were tucked away down winding country lanes.
The ex-Liverpool and Tottenham star explored what life beyond his current home in Kingsnorth could look like.
Joined by presenter Nicki Chapman – who grew up in Herne Bay – the Ruddocks set out to see whether a move to the countryside might be on the cards.
Having featured on shows such as I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Big Brother, the football hardman describes his latest television appearance as “very different”.
“It was a pleasant experience and a real eye-opener,” he said.
“The show knew we were looking, so it was about seeing what’s available and what areas there are.
“Even though I’ve lived here a long time, I don’t really know all the little villages.”
During the episode, the couple explore properties in Bredgar and Hartlip, both near Sittingbourne, as well as Brenchley, near Paddock Wood, and Doddington, near Faversham.
Now 58, Ruddock admits Escape to the Country was not a show he would have taken on alone, describing his wife’s involvement as “completely necessary”.
“Most wives are the bosses – everyone would admit that,” he said.
“When it comes to the style of the house, it’s all down to Leah.
“You need your wife to make the key decisions, so it was good to have her with me.”
Born in Wandsworth, south London, Ruddock grew up in Stanhope and has long regarded Kent as home, describing returning to the county after his football career as a “no-brainer”.
The former centre-back says he believes Kent “ticks every box”.
“It’s the Garden of England, we’ve got lovely restaurants, and you can even be at the beach in half an hour,” he said.
“I went to school here, my brothers live here, my family all live in Ashford – I had to come back.”
In August 2024, Ruddock became a club ambassador at Ashford United.
Although he has not been able to attend as many matches as he would have liked this season, he says he is encouraged by the direction the Isthmian League South East Division club is heading in.
“I really do enjoy going over there,” he said.
“I’ve been in football all my life, so you can’t just put your back on it.
“Ashford United keeps me going, keeps me smiling, and I’m hoping next season I can get to more games.”
Following filming, Chapman had nothing but praise for the Ruddock family.
Writing on social media, she said: “One of the most enjoyable filming experiences ever! Thank you both so much… truly forgot about the cameras! Laughing so much.”
Ruddock earned his only England cap in 1994, playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly win over Nigeria at Wembley.
He also lifted the League Cup with Liverpool during the 1994/95 season.
Celebrity Escape to the Country airs on BBC One at 6.05pm.
