Alan Titchmarsh - the narrator of hit TV series Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South - has told the County Press he is "absolutely delighted" with the positive impact the show has had.

It comes after holiday lettings agency, holidaycottages.co.uk, revealed a boom in tourists securing trips to the Island for 2024.

Although it said the spike, in February, wasn't solely down to the Channel 5 show, it "certainly played a big part".

With Easter fast approaching, the boss of Visit Isle of Wight is hoping to see more of the same.

Read more: Isle of Wight holiday bookings rise after Channel 5 TV show

Alan Titchmarsh, who voiced the series and has had a home here for more than 20 years, said: "I love the Island and I was keen to make more people aware of its delights.  

"When it comes to variety of terrain - from downland to woodland and coast - and the number of initiatives - from food production to sailing and exploring history - I reckon the Island is matchless."

"I'm absolutely delighted that the series has gone down so well and hope that the success is matched by increased visitor numbers.

"I'm sure we can make everyone welcome!"

Isle of Wight County Press: Alan TitchmarshAlan Titchmarsh (Image: Daisybeck)

Ahead of the Easter holidays, Visit Isle of Wight said the VisitBritain sentiment tracker - which gauges whether people are likely to take short breaks - shows a year on year increase in people wanting to take a domestic trip.

Will Myles, managing director of Visit IW said: "It would be great to take advantage of that, with people wanting to experience outdoor areas, take part in leisure and sports activities, and visit attractions.

"The Island has got a lot going on this Easter, with traditional activities such as Easter Egg Hunts alongside adventure trails, walking, cycling, history, live music and much more."

Hannah Cooper, regional head of sales at holidaycottages.co.uk said: “We’ve seen an even split of 40 per cent of bookings taking place in spring and 40 per cent taking place in summer.

"March and June are proving particularly popular with 15 and 16 per cent of the share."