Noel Edmonds has returned to screens after a six-year absence with a new ITV series documenting his life in New Zealand, prompting bewilderment amongst viewers within minutes of its premiere.
The programme, Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure, aired on Friday evening and follows the 76-year-old former Deal Or No Deal presenter and his wife Liz as they run their hospitality business in the rural town of Ngatimoti.
The couple relocated to New Zealand in 2018 and have since established a venture encompassing a vineyard, coffee cart, general store, restaurant and pub.
The series also showcases Edmonds' plans to build what he describes as New Zealand's first energy garden, alongside glimpses into his unconventional wellness routines.
ITV viewers were left baffled by Noel Edmonds' new series
ITV
Social media erupted with confusion as the programme began, with many questioning whether they were watching genuine reality television or an elaborate spoof.
"This is a mockumentary isn't it? #noeledmonds," one viewer posted on X, whilst another compared the presenter to Steve Coogan's fictional character: "Noel Edmonds is a real life Alan Partridge. Even when he's meant to be himself."
Others expressed similar bewilderment. "I imagine this Noel Edmonds programme will be fascinating - for all the wrong reasons!" wrote one viewer.
Another posted: "This has got to be a wind-up from Noel Edmonds I nearly bought it until I saw the crystals sunbed."
Viewers of Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure thought the show may have been a mockumentary
ITV
One viewer complained: "Someone tell Noel Edmonds the 1970s are on the phone & want him back, constant innuendo is b***** woeful."
The programme revealed Edmonds' extensive wellness regime, which he credits for his youthful appearance.
His routines include "tranquil power" weightlifting, cold showers, infrared saunas, meditation and sessions in oxygen chambers.
He also uses beds of crystals, declaring enthusiastically: "I'm rocking. I am rocking!"
Viewers were particularly struck by his appearance, with many expressing disbelief at his age.
"How is Noel Edmond's 76 - he looks 46!!" one viewer commented. Another echoed: "Noel Edmonds doesn't look his age.."
However, some found his methods excessive. "He does seem to have de-aged but all of that is a bit extreme," one viewer noted.
Despite the confusion, the programme attracted positive responses from some viewers. "Just binged on the 3 episodes of Noel Edmonds in New Zealand. The guy is a hoot. Great tv. Quite a surprise," one fan wrote.
The programme follows Noel Edmonds and his wife Liz as they run their hospitality business in the rural town of Ngatimoti
ITV
Another declared: "Don't care what you say, I love Noel Edmonds!"
Edmonds was keen to distinguish his programme from Jeremy Clarkson's farming series, telling The Sun: "When we were filming our show, some people who knew about Clarkson's Farm said to me, 'Oh, is it like Clarkson's Farm?' And I said, 'No, it couldn't be more different.'"
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Noel Edmonds showed his strict wellness routine in the opening ITV show
ITV
He praised Clarkson as "brilliant" and commended his show's production values, its exposure of bureaucratic obstacles, and its portrayal of farming's challenges.
Edmonds himself has farming experience, having worked in agriculture in Devon since the 1980s.
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