Countryfile's Jules Hudson flooded with support as he shares rare emotional message - and fans gush 'you're full of surprises, we had no idea!'

Jules Hudson has been flooded with support from his followers as he shared an emotional message for Remembrance Day on Instagram on Monday.

The TV producer and presenter, 54, has become well known for his role on BBC 's Countryfile and Escape to the Country, but shocked fans when he reflected on his previous career.

Unknown to many, Jules served with the NATO Battlegroup in Estonia during the winter of 2018/19.

Alongside a snap of him dressed in military gear, he wrote: 'It's hard to believe that it's now six years ago that I served briefly with the NATO Battlegroup in Estonia over the winter of 2018/19.

'It's still there, working hard in sub zero temperatures to defend NATOs Eastern frontier.

'Spare a thought for our troops this Remembrance day who are doing all they can to support our Baltic Allies against the backdrop of the grinding tragedy of War in Ukraine.'

Fans of the star took to the comments to offer their support and admiration, with one writing: 'Jules! Who knew. You are full of surprises.. excellent message. My dad flew spitfires as a and one of his training fields was Charmy Downs near Bath. Remembrance Day is always important to me.'

A second added: 'I attended your passing out rehearsal at Sandhurst - as a big Escape fan I had to keep my cool but it was quite a surprise seeing you there!'

'No words to add or say. Just hope our world can become better, because of the good and great people in it,' another said.

A fourth penned: 'Oh wow. I never knew. I'm always a massive advocate of Remembrance Day to remember those who have served so bravely. Proud of you for doing your bit.'

Having been the face of the much-loved property programme since 2007, Jules took a well-earned sabbatical for three months to explore a new direction.

Chatting with Lyme Regis and Bridport News , the daytime TV presenter revealed he would be filling his newly found free time with a 12-week furniture making course.

'Late last year, I realised I was quite burnt out and needed a creative and emotional reset,' he told the publication.

'My wife said: "Why don't you take some time out and go to the Boat Building Academy?"

'I thought about it, and it dawned on me - what am I waiting for? So, I investigated the courses here at the BBA, saw the 12-week furniture making course and took the jump and enrolled.'

The presenter first became fond of the establishment which provides people with boat and furniture building skills on a 2012 episode of Escape To The Country.

But fans of the show need not fret, as the long-running host has promised - despite his break - he won't be leaving the countryside property series anytime soon.

In a 2023 interview with the Daily Express, Jules said: 'I hope to do Escape to the Country for as long as I'm able and for as long as the show will have me.'

Explaining why he loves presenting the daytime series and sharing his countryside knowledge, the host added: 'It's a massive step for lots of people, so having the chance to share that, that experience, those tips and tricks, it's very much a way of life for me.

'I absolutely love it, it's a show I'm incredibly fond of. It's very dear to me.'

When away from the cameras, Jules enjoys passing quality time with his wife Tania, son, Jack and their two pet Labradors, Teddy and Lolo.

Previously confessing city life was not for him, the presenter admitted to The Times: 'I found London very claustrophobic.

'There's an energy about it that I absolutely love, but I need green fields and space.'