Macclesfield Canal takes a starring role in an upcoming episode of a popular show on Channel 5.

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild is back for its 21st season.

It follows the adventurer as he meets people who have turned their back on the rat-race and set up home in remote locations.

Episode four, which airs on on February 5, will focus on Dave Thompson – a former entertainer who has found a renewed sense of purpose living full-time on a narrowboat on the canal network in Cheshire.

Dave, who hosted Fogle on his boat for a week, said: "It's been a long journey and not always a smooth one, with many tears, but that's life!

"Being visited by Ben Fogle and being filmed for New Lives in the Wild has been an incredible experience."

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild airs on Channel 5 on February 5 (Credit: Rushlight Films)

After a profound personal tragedy, Dave returned to the UK grieving and without a permanent home.

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Unable to afford traditional housing, he found a lifeline on the canals, where living afloat offered him not only a roof over his head but a slower pace of life, a close connection to nature, and a strong sense of community.

Living aboard a 17-metre narrowboat powered largely by solar energy, Dave moves every two weeks learning to manage everything himself, from engine maintenance to mooring, water, heating and power. Ben joins him as they prepare the boat and set off further down the canal

The episode also explores the wider importance of the UK's canal network today.

Dave, ex fundraiser and champion of the Canal & River Trust, speaks to Ben about his concerns over possible funding cuts, but remains hopeful that the trust will be able to find support from the public. 

(Credit: Rushlight Films)

Reflecting on the people he has met whilst making New Lives in the Wild, Fogle said: "I think we all dream of simplifying our ever more complicated lives.

"New Lives in the Wild is a really hopeful and optimistic series which leaves people feeling happy.

"Every episode and story is so wildly different. It keeps me on my toes."

Episode four of Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild will air on Thursday, February 5, at 9pm on 5 and on catch up.