Latest news with #MattBaker
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Countryfile's Matt Baker says 'I felt emotional' after heartbreaking realisation
Former The One Show presenter and Countryfile star Matt Baker is back on our screens with a new series about the British Isles after making an emotional discovery during filming Countryfile host Matt Baker has revealed that he was moved to tears while filming his latest series, particularly when discussing Queen Elizabeth II. The former The One Show presenter, 47, is back on our screens with Matt Baker's British Isles on More4. In the show, he embarks on a journey around the UK, visiting areas that some viewers may be familiar with, while others may not. Among the locations he explores is a Scottish village named Crathie, which holds significant Royal ties. Speaking to TV Times, the Countryfile star shared: "I also go to the Scottish village of Crathie, outside Balmoral Castle, where locals have mingled with the Royal Family since the 19th century. "The Royal chaplain, a lovely man named Ken, showed me around the church and I felt quite emotional hearing about the special service held for locals when the late Queen Elizabeth II passed." This isn't the first time the late Queen has been mentioned in recent weeks. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, claimed that she communicates with the monarch through her corgis. Sarah, 65, stated that the late queen's corgis visit her every morning and when they bark, she is "sure" it's Queen Elizabeth speaking to her. Addressing the London Creative Women Platform forum, Sarah commented: "I have her dogs, I have her corgis. Every morning they come in and go 'woof woof' and all that and I'm sure it's her talking to me." While Sarah Ferguson reminisces about Queen Elizabeth's beloved dogs, former Royal chef Darren McGrady spills the beans on Her Majesty's preferred snack. The culinary expert, who served the Royal Family for an impressive 15 years, divulged to a YouTube channel that the Queen's go-to sandwich was none other than jam pennies. He shared: "The Queen was served jam pennies in the nursery as a little girl. She's had them for afternoon tea ever since. "It's simple: just bread and jam with a little butter-usually strawberry jam. We'd make the jam at Balmoral Castle with the gorgeous Scottish strawberries from the gardens." In another tasty revelation, Tom Parker Bowles, in his book 'Cooking and The Crown', hints at another of the monarch's favourites, according to GloucestershireLive. Camilla, the Queen Consort's son, teased: "Now try as I might, Gav is far too discreet to tell me what she ordered. 'She might have eaten the smoked eel mousse more than once, but that is something that I can neither confirm nor deny.'".
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Unexpected replacement for Amanda Owen's 'Our Farm' unveiled post show-end
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive, and Kids wrapped up last night, showcasing the Owen family's significant progress in their renovation of Anty John's. Amanda Owen admitted that there was still a long road ahead before the transformation would be fully realised. As the programme concluded, viewers learned that the renovation work was still underway, with Amanda affirming they were "forging ahead. "We're really on to the next stage," the mother of nine announced. Just before the credits rolled, a final image of the house, complete with all the workers standing outside, was shown. READ MORE - Friendless Rose West's life behind bars with unusual prison breakfast READ MORE - Highly infectious new Covid strain hits three holiday hotspots as WHO issues alert The text at the bottom of the screen read: 'To Be continued...,' according to Leeds Live. Although fans expressed disappointment at the series' end, they can look forward to another show hosted by Matt Baker. According to the TV schedule, Matt Baker's British Isles is set to fill the 9pm Tuesday slot on More4, previously held by Our Farm Next Door. The synopsis for the first episode reads: "Matt Baker explores the four nations of the UK. In this first episode, he heads to Kent to meet the Englishman teaming up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine.", reports Gloucestershire Live. "In the Highlands, Matt meets two ex-farmers whose lives are entwined with the village of Crathie's church." The second series of Our Farm Next Door showcased Amanda and the Owen family as they navigated managing Ravenseat Farm and renovating Anty John's into their ideal home. Amanda looked back on the endeavour, saying: "I think we've developed quite a camaraderie, really. It's a huge learning curve, and every one of the people who worked on a project has their own speciality in what they do." Bringing it all together, she observed, had been "amazing", especially for the children, who could follow the project's progress and learn from it. Summing up her thoughts, she said: "No, it's not your average project. The fact is that you can't even get here half the time with your vehicle, and you have to walk in!". "We've had all these horrible weather conditions, no amenities. You can't even scroll on your phone at dinnertime! Nothing works, that's a big ask."
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
How to follow the European Gymnastics Championships on BBC Sport
BBC Sport has secured a four year deal with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to broadcast the European Gymnastics Championships until 2028. The Artistic European Gymnastics Championship is in Leipzig, with BBC Sport's coverage starting today across BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. The championships showcases a mix of rising stars and established names, including Jess Gadirova, Becky Downie, Jake Jarman, and Joe Fraser, all competing for continental glory. It also features the anticipated competition debut of the mixed team final. Matt Baker leads the coverage, joined in the studio by Olympic medallists Beth Tweddle and Sam Oldham. Follow on the BBC Sport Website and app How to watch the 2025 Artistic European Gymnastics Championships on BBC Sport Wednesday 28 May 3pm-6.40pm iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app Mixed Team Final Thursday 29 May 1pm BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app Women's all-around final 5.50pm iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app Men's all-around final Friday 31 May 3pm-6pm BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app Finals coverage of the men's floor and pommel horse, and women's vault and uneven bars. CF
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Countryfile's Matt Baker makes admission as he shares his battle with dyslexia
Countryfile's Matt Baker makes admission as he shares his battle with dyslexia Matt Baker is back on screens with a new series, Matt Baker's British Isles, which sees him travel around the UK. Matt Baker is a familiar face on British television, known for his adventurous spirit and versatility in presenting a wide range of shows, from the energetic challenges of Blue Peter to the thought-provoking discussions on The One Show and the scenic explorations of Countryfile. With his unique blend of charm, resilience, and practicality, he has become a beloved figure on TV screens. At 47, Matt returns with a new series, Matt Baker's British Isles on More4, a heartfelt tribute to the landscapes and people of the UK, spread across four episodes. When he's not on the road filming, Matt's life takes on a more leisurely pace, centered around the routines of farm life that he shares with his wife, Nicola, and their two children, Luke and Molly, in Hertfordshire. However, during the pandemic in 2021, the family relocated to the Durham Dales to assist Matt's mother, Janice, with managing the family farm. Countryfile's Matt Baker makes admission as he shares his battle with dyslexia (Image: (Image: BBC) ) Article continues below Matt has maintained this connection to rural life, embracing its rugged beauty and the satisfaction of working with his hands. "There's nothing quite like taking the dogs out, seeing the sheep and doing some DIY," he remarks, "I love building things and getting messy." His DIY projects are not limited to minor tasks as he has undertaken significant projects, including constructing sheds, patios, and even entire barns, reports the Mirror. Currently, he is working on building a pathway and gardening beds, with many more projects in the pipeline. He told OK!: "I have loads of projects. Some are still resting. Growing up on a farm teaches you these things." The Countryfile star recalled his younger years with dyslexia (Image: (Image: BBC) ) For Matt, working with his hands also serves as a source of comfort due to his dyslexia. He shared: "I'm very practical because I'm dyslexic. Reading isn't really my thing. I prefer making things and painting." His dyslexia has profoundly influenced both his learning and social interactions. "I don't know what it's like to not have dyslexia. When I was younger, I've never been more terrified than I was when asked to read aloud." However, he has embraced his condition with resilience. Even in his television career, unexpected challenges arise. Matt is returning to screens for a new More4 show (Image: Steven Landles / Channel 4 ) "When somebody throws a name in front of you on live TV, you have to read it," he shares, "But I just read what I think it says and hit it with confidence." Matt maintains a remarkably positive and motivational attitude. "I wouldn't change a thing," he declares. "Being neurodivergent means you think differently. You keep telling yourself, 'I'm ready for this. And you can. Dyslexia has taught me you can achieve anything." His strength is also evident in his new series, which showcases the everyday contributions of people across the UK. "I've had many adventures around the UK and the world," he reflects, "I've met incredible people in amazing places." Article continues below Matt Baker's British Isles kicks off June 3 at 9pm on More4.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Matt Baker shares 'terror' in hidden dyslexia battle ahead of new show
Fronting a new show honouring Brits, Matt Baker has opened up about his journey with dyslexia and admitted the condition sometimes left him in challenging situations While he's now at ease with his dyslexia, Matt Baker still remembers a more difficult time in his life, when his condition triggered dread more than empowerment. Matt Baker is no stranger to an adventure. From vaulting over obstacles on Blue Peter to delving into topical discussions on The One Show and traversing landscapes in Countryfile, he's become a staple of British television - equal parts charm, grit and gumboots. Now, at 47, the presenter returns to our screens with Matt Baker's British Isles on More4 - a four-part love letter to the UK's landscapes and, more importantly, the people who shape them. When he's not on the road filming, Matt's life is slower-paced, grounded in the routines of the farm life he shares with his wife Nicola and their two children, Luke and Molly. The family now lives in Hertfordshire, but in 2021, they moved to the Durham Dales to help his mother, Janice, tend to the family farm during the pandemic. It's a rhythm he's kept up - returning to embrace rural life in all its muddy, windswept glory. 'There's nothing quite like taking the dogs out, seeing the sheep and doing some DIY,' Matt says. 'I love building things and getting messy.' And Matt doesn't mean the odd shelf or cupboard. From sheds to patios to entire barns - he's tackled it all. 'Right now, I'm building a pathway and some gardening beds,' he says, 'I have loads of projects. Some are still resting. Growing up on a farm teaches you these things.' For Matt, there's another comfort in working with his hands. 'I'm very practical because I'm dyslexic,' he says, 'Reading isn't really my thing. I prefer making things and painting.' His diagnosis has shaped not only how he learns, but also how he connects. 'I don't know what it's like to not have dyslexia,' he says. 'When I was younger, I've never been more terrified than I was when asked to read aloud.' But he's learned to live with his condition wholeheartedly. Even now, working on TV can throw curveballs. 'When somebody throws a name in front of you on live TV, you have to read it,' he says, 'But I just read what I think it says and hit it with confidence.' Matt's outlook is refreshingly grounded and inspiring. 'I wouldn't change a thing,' he says. 'Being neurodivergent means you think differently. You keep telling yourself, 'I'm ready for this. And you can. Dyslexia has taught me you can achieve anything.' That same strength shines through in his new series, with Matt highlighting the small ways Brits contribute to the UK's bustling life. 'I've had many adventures around the UK and the world,' Matt says, 'I've met incredible people in amazing places.' But this new series is perhaps his most personal yet. Travelling from the Scottish Highlands to the white cliffs of Kent, and even the UK's busiest train station in London, Matt marries his two great loves: the land and the communities that call it home. 'It's the culmination of my experiences,' he says, 'It's a real reminder of the foundations that make Britain great and of what you can do if you set your mind to something.' In Scotland, Matt met a self-taught mushroom grower whose fungi are now in demand by Michelin -starred chefs. In Newport, he visited a former Aston Martin factory turned heritage workshop - and lived out a childhood dream by sitting behind the wheel of James Bond 's car. And the surprises kept coming - like the moment he was handed the whistle blown at the 1966 World Cup final. But it was the people who stole the show. 'The Aston Martin workshop used to be the original factory. The people working there use traditional techniques,' Matt says. 'One woman got her job there after making a pair of curtains for someone's caravan! It's a wonderful story.' It's this blend of everyday magic and quiet heroism that gives the show its heartbeat. 'People help others every day in our fast-paced world,' Matt says, 'It was important for me to include what they do and how they dedicate their time to it. It's what they deserve.' Not that the filming came without challenges. In South Wales, Matt scaled a National Grid pylon - because of course he did. 'I had to sit an exam and do a full training day at the National Grid Centre,' he says, 'I wasn't even allowed up if I didn't.' And yet, for all the breathtaking scenery and jaw-dropping feats, it's the connections he made along the way that Matt treasures the most. In Mumbles, he met two brothers who unexpectedly inherited a pier. 'What a thing to inherit but also to have to do something in the future,' Matt says, 'Those guys are great. But I've stayed in touch with most of them - everybody wants to know when the show is coming out!' In Northern Ireland, Matt visited a carpet factory in Portadown - an experience that hit close to home. 'As a sheep farmer, I really wanted to go to that factory, because of the connection it has to wool,' he says. Looking ahead, Matt has no plans to slow down - but he's become more intentional about how he spends his time. 'When you get to a certain age, you start thinking about what really matters,' he says, 'For me, that's living better, being present and recharging from the fast-paced world. And preserving what's special.' With Matt Baker's British Isles, he's done exactly that - shining a light not only on the breathtaking beauty of Great Britain, but on the heart and soul of those who keep it running quietly every day.
