Inside Escape to the Country's Sonali Shah's London life and cherished family moments

Escape to the Country returns to BBC One, with Sonali Shah on a mission to find the perfect rural retreat for a family with high hopes.

Born and bred in London, the esteemed TV and radio presenter has established her own family life in the capital.

Her childhood was spent in the wings of her parents' pharmacy, where she also honed her skills as a dancer. It wasn't until university that she turned her sights to journalism.

Initially aspiring to a medical career, she even presented on local hospital radio. Her career trajectory shifted, leading her to present on BBC World News, Newsround, and shows on BBC Radio 2.

; daughter Ariana arrived in October 2013, followed by son Rafi in October 2016.

After welcoming her first child, she proclaimed it "the most important job I'll ever have".

On her personal blog, she shared selfies with her baby bump, writing: "Three weeks ago I took on the most important job I'll ever have I became a mum to a baby girl we have named Ariana."

She added: "During my the last few days of my pregnancy, I was inspired by Buenos Aires-based photographer Sophie Starzenski who had taken these stunning snaps of her growing bump over her pregnancy."

"I love photographing other people but these are my first ever selfies I took them when I was 39 weeks pregnant and then with a 3 week old Ariana."

Ariana has just marked her 11th birthday, and to celebrate, Sonali treated her to the thrilling Crystal Maze experience.

Taking to Instagram, Sonali shared that they had an "action-packed adventure" and expressed her gratitude to the organisers for the fantastic time they had.

Sonali and her husband, Adarsh, have been a couple for at least 14 years, having exchanged vows in 2008.

In a previous conversation with Express.co.uk, Sonali recalled wearing not one, but two stunning dresses on her wedding day.

She revealed: "I spent two weeks in Mumbai and designed them myself. Saris are the closest things I have to couture."

Escape to the Country airs on weekdays on BBC One at 3pm