Oxford News
Rick Stein ‘nearly killed’ ex-wife in crash at Oxford University
The TV cook, now best known for his seafood restaurants and BBC travel series, grew up on a farm in Churchill, a small village just outside the market town of Chipping Norton.
Mr Stein later went on to study English at Oxford, further strengthening his ties to Oxfordshire alongside his upbringing in the Cotswolds.
During his time as a student, he maintained a long‑term relationship with Jill Stein, who would go on to co‑found and run the business side of his restaurant empire.
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The couple later married, remained together for many years while building their businesses, and eventually divorced after their relationship broke down.
In a recent interview with The Times, the 76-year-old revisited a near‑fatal incident in Oxford which she says has left her with permanent hearing loss.
She had moved to London while Mr Stein was at Oxford, and had arranged to meet him in Oxford for a weekend.
Ms Stein discovered that he was instead drinking at a student club and confronted him when he eventually arrived at the pub where she was waiting.
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He recalled in the book that he reacted “angrily but also very lustfully”, but remembering that night, Ms Stein told The Times: “He did nearly kill me.”
Driving fast on the Oxford bypass, Mr Stein crashed into roadworks and hit a 44‑gallon drum, sending an oil lamp through the windscreen and into her head.
Ms Stein said: “He could see that I was bleeding quite a lot and I said, ‘oh, just put me to bed. I’ll be fine.’ And he thought, even though he was drunk, ‘no, I’m not sure about this’.
“‘I think I’ll ring the ambulance’. So he rang the ambulance and, because it was a 999 call, the police came along as well, and they breathalysed him.”
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At the John Radcliffe Hospital, a brain surgeon operated on her, and during her interview with The Times, Ms Stein pointed to her left side and added: “And that’s why I can’t hear in this ear.”
Asked how long it took her to forgive him, she reflected: “I never blamed him really. I don’t know why, but I didn’t.”
Mr Stein later began a relationship with Sarah Burns, a publicist who had worked with his company, while he was still married to Jill Stein.
The affair eventually led to the end of his first marriage, and he went on to marry his second wife in 2011, with the couple now living between Australia and the UK.
The Highcroft Investment Report 2026 shows that the local area around Berkeley’s Highcroft development in Wallingford has become one of the county’s most compelling property investment locations.
Wallingford’s appeal is already being recognised more widely, with Wallingford ranked the number one best place to live in Oxfordshire and one of the top 50 in England and Wales.
Set on the River Thames, it has a historic town centre, independent shops, riverside walks and easy access to the Chilterns.
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The report, commissioned by Berkeley and prepared by PriceHubble and Dataloft, shows that property values in the local area have risen sharply.
This is a rise of 15.1 per cent over the past five years, outperforming South Oxfordshire, Oxford, the South East and Greater London.
In fact, the local area has seen five times stronger growth than Greater London, and national sales prices are forecast to grow by a further 20.4 per cent by 2030.
Rental performance reflects this demand, with average rents in the local area around Highcroft having risen by 38 per cent over the past five years, with a further 17.6 per cent rental growth forecast across the UK by 2030.
At the same time, Wallingford continues to offer relative value compared with nearby higher-priced locations.
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Average sales prices are up to 24 per cent lower than Oxford and 30 per cent lower than Greater London.
Set close to Wallingford town centre and the River Thames, the Highcroft offers a thriving new community with a collection of two- to five-bedroom homes set within 18 acres of open space in South Oxfordshire.
The development is well placed for commuters, with Didcot Parkway station just a 13-minute drive away.
According to the report by PriceHubble and Dataloft, 57,620 jobs are accessible within a 60-minute public transport commute of the development, with 33 per cent of those jobs in scientific, professional, financial and tech sectors.
Stephen Kirwan, managing director, said: “Wallingford offers a rare combination of historic market town living, strong connectivity and access to major employment hubs across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and London.
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“The report shows that the local area around Highcroft has delivered strong price growth over the past five years, while still offering relative value compared with Oxford and Greater London.
“For buyers and investors, that combination of lifestyle and connectivity with long-term growth potential is increasingly compelling.
“At Highcroft, we are creating a new community that reflects the character of Wallingford while supporting the area with new homes, green space, education, infrastructure and local amenities.”
As part of the wider plans for Highcroft, Berkeley is delivering 555 new homes, alongside more than £11.6 million of investment in local infrastructure.
The development includes a new primary school, 2.2 acres of sports pitches, play areas, allotments, a new bus route, footpath connections and around 18 acres of open space.
Homes at Highcroft start from £415,000.
It was recently announced that The Oxford Union (OU) will host far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a debate on Islam
This will take place on Wednesday (June 17), despite outcry from faith leaders, local politicians and campaign groups.
The student debate society has advertised a debate on social media titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam.
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Speakers include Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, alongside fellow far-right voice Laurence Fox, opposed by others including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Now, Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, has issued a statement, revealing there will be a police presence in the city.
“I am deeply concerned by The Oxford Union’s decision to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, at its debate on Wednesday,” she said.
“Oxford is a proudly diverse, multicultural city. Whilst we are committed to free speech and open debate, that must be balanced against ensuring all our residents can live free from hatred, intimidation and harm.
“Faith leaders and members of our communities have already voiced their strong opposition to this invitation, and I stand with them.
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“I urge the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices – not only for its own reputation, but the message this event sends about Oxford and its values.
“A large-scale security operation is being prepared, involving extensive police resources and road closures.
“This will cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and comes at a substantial cost.
“The Oxford Union must meet the full costs of staging their event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to pick up the bill.”
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
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Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
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“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
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