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TV host Phil Spencer’s parents killed in crash on Garrington Farm in Littlebourne, near Canterbury
22:36, 19 August 2023
The parents of television host Phil Spencer have been killed in a tragic accident at the Kent farm he grew up on.
Richard Spencer, 89, and wife Anne, 82, lost their lives in a car crash at Garrington Farm in Littlebourne, near Canterbury.
The couple - who had four children and eight grandchildren - are understood to have been on their way to a pub when their vehicle veered off an access road and into a shallow tributary river.
Police say they were called to the scene shortly after 12.30pm on Friday.
A spokesperson said: “Officers attended along with other emergency services and a man and woman in their 80s were taken to a local hospital where they were later pronounced deceased.
“A third person, a woman in her 60s, was in the vehicle and sustained minor injuries.
“The next of kin has been informed and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.”
Richard and Anne were the parents of Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer, 53.
His friend and co-host, Kirsty Allsopp, told The Sun: “I’ve spoken to Phil and it’s tragic for the Spencer family, but his parents were together and that’s something that is a great source of solace to them all.
“The family is very loving and close. There are four children, Phil, Robert, Caryn and Helen, and they had eight grandchildren.
“This is awful for all of the family, but they were together at the end and they were lovely people.
“They were on their way to the pub on a Friday afternoon in Kent, where they lived — they were in the place they loved, with the person they loved. They were both people of Christian faith.
“Phil and his siblings are all consoling each other at this difficult time.”
Phil Spencer previously reminisced about growing up on the farm in an interview with Great British Life.
“I was born there, a farmer’s son, and that’s where I spent my entire childhood and teenage years,” he said.
“Dad bought the house when he got married, and they’ve never moved out. My brother runs the farm now.
“Living on a farm with places to run around, have adventures and learn about nature helped us grow up with a sense of responsibility. It was a mixed farm, beef cattle, hops, watercress, potatoes, fruit and arable, which made it a lot of fun.
“Mum would take us out in the holidays to help with what was being harvested.
“My heart was always in Kent and always will be. I feel very comfortable there.”
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