Latest news with #OurDreamFarm
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lorraine Kelly apologises to Matt Baker's wife after awkward show blunder
Lorraine Kelly was forced to apologise to Matt Baker and his wife Nicola after the ITV presenter made an awkward blunder on Monday Lorraine Kelly had to issue an on-air apology to Matt Baker and his wife Nicola during Monday's programme. While chatting with Matt, 47, about his new British Isles series, the conversation turned to Nicola's latest book release. Nicola's third instalment in the Whistledown Farm Adventures series, 'Meeting Meg', hit the shelves on May 8 earlier this year. However, Lorraine, 65, mistakenly referred to Nicola as Rachel, quickly correcting herself with an apology for the slip-up. Discussing the inspiration behind her books, Nicola shared: "What I really wanted was to try and bring my experiences and things to the books so kids reading it would feel like they're experiencing farm life." She added: "That's the lovely thing about writing, you can put whatever you like into it and hopefully it feels real and kids will get a flavour of what farming is", reports the Express. Lorraine praised the work, saying: "It's gorgeous and the illustrations by Rachael Dean, they're beautiful." She continued: "I always think that really makes a book as well, when you put some illustrations in there." Later, Lorraine seemed to mix up names, asking: "Now you two met when you were babies, right? Teenagers! Had you though, Rachel..." before swiftly correcting herself: "Sorry, Nicola! I'm getting mixed up! Nicola, were you into farming, were you a farm girl?" Nicola responded: "No, I wasn't a farm girl, we grew up in the countryside so I loved being outdoors and the outdoor life but farming was something that came to me when we met." Matt, well-known from his time on Blue Peter, hails from a farming background in Durham and has now settled into an impressive abode in Hertfordshire with his family. With a wealth of experience behind him, Matt has hosted several farming-focused shows, such as 'Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales' and 'Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker', which features his family. Matt is embarking on a new television journey with 'Matt Baker's British Isles', a series that will see the former The One Show presenter explore our four nations, celebrating the remarkable people and jaw-dropping locations that make up our rich tapestry of life. Eagerly promoting his latest venture, Matt took to Instagram earlier this month, sharing: "My new series Matt Baker's British Isles starts Tuesday on More 4 at 9pm hope you can join me to celebrate the wonderful characters that make our home nations what they are. Can't wait for you to see it #England #Northern Ireland # Scotland and #Wales." Stay tuned to Lorraine, which airs on weekdays at 9am on ITV and ITV X.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lorraine Kelly pauses show to apologise to Matt Baker's wife after awkward name blunder
Lorraine Kelly was left red-faced after she called Matt Baker's wife Nicola by the wrong name before swiftly apologising for the awkward blunder during Monday's show Lorraine Kelly had to issue an apology to Matt Baker and his wife Nicola during Monday's programme. In the recent episode, Lorraine, 65, chatted with Matt, 47, about his new series exploring the British Isles, which led to a conversation about Nicola's latest book release. Nicola launched her third instalment in the Whistledown Farm Adventures, titled Meeting Meg, which hit the shelves on May 8 earlier this year. But while speaking to Nicola, Lorraine mistakenly referred to her as Rachel, promptly correcting herself with an apology for the slip-up. Discussing the books, Nicola remarked: "What I really wanted was to try and bring my experiences and things to the books so kids reading it would feel like they're experiencing farm life.", reports the Express. "That's the lovely thing about writing, you can put whatever you like into it and hopefully it feels real and kids will get a flavour of what farming is." To which Lorraine replied: "It's gorgeous and the illustrations by Rachael Dean, they're beautiful. "I always think that really makes a book as well, when you put some illustrations in there." However, later in the conversation, Lorraine got her wires crossed, saying: "Now you two met when you were babies, right? Teenagers! Had you though, Rachel..." before quickly interjecting: "Sorry, Nicola! I'm getting mixed up! Nicola, were you into farming, were you a farm girl?" Nicola responded: "No, I wasn't a farm girl, we grew up in the countryside so I loved being outdoors and the outdoor life but farming was something that came to me when we met." Ex-Blue Peter host Matt Baker was raised on his family's farm in Durham and now resides in an impressive farmhouse in Hertfordshire with his family. Matt has fronted several farming programmes alongside his family, including 'Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales' and 'Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker'. Matt is now presenting a new series titled 'Matt Baker's British Isles', which sees the former The One Show presenter traverse the four nations, celebrating the remarkable people and jaw-dropping locations that make up our rich tapestry of life. Earlier this month, Matt hinted at the upcoming show on Instagram, posting: "My new series Matt Baker's British Isles starts Tuesday on More 4 at 9pm hope you can join me to celebrate the wonderful characters that make our home nations what they are. Can't wait for you to see it #England #Northern Ireland #Scotland and #Wales." Catch Lorraine on weekdays at 9am on ITV and ITV X.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Matt Baker says 'it takes my breath away' as he explores amazing hidden tunnel in Wales
Matt Baker says 'it takes my breath away' as he explores amazing hidden tunnel in Wales Matt, filming for a new series of Channel 4's Matt Baker British Isles, is not the first TV celebrity to visit and be enchanted by this secret treasure Channel 4's Matt Baker visits one of Wales' hidden gems (Image: Channel 4 ) When you wander through the south Wales valleys you might never know that, occasionally, you are walking on top of a hidden treasure that links to the past but could be a beacon of prosperity for the future. Rhondda Tunnel is one such gem - a relic of the area's past industrial heritage but a unique feature that has been mesmerising those lucky enough to be allowed down it with permission and assistance from the Rhondda Tunnel Society. They are a group of local people set up in 2014 with the dream of one day getting the tunnel open again for bikes and pedestrians, and spearheading tourism regeneration in the area. One such person who has recently explored the tunnel - and was, of course, enchanted by it - was Channel 4's Matt Baker, who visited as part of episode one of a new series of Matt Baker's British Isles, where the popular presenter visits some of the country's most unique and loved locations - and Rhondda tunnel certainly ticks those boxes. For more home and property content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts says 'something real is going to happen' as he shares Welsh project update YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: You can stay in the idyllic house that features in Matt Baker's Our Dream Farm Article continues below Matt Baker meets Rhondda Tunnel Society founder member Steve Mackey (Image: Channel 4 ) Before meeting the passionate members of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, Matt said: "I've been drawn to this part of the Welsh valleys to see something that's been hidden from the rest of Britain for decades - it's a two mile secret that could make this part of Wales, and the country, world famous." The tunnel was originally built by the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway under the engineering expertise of Sydney William Yockney, son of Samuel Hansard Yockney, who had previously worked with Isambard Kingdom Brunel on other tunnel projects. Matt is ready for the descent into the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) Work on the two-mile long tunnel commenced from both ends in 1885, at Blaencwm in the Rhondda and Blaengwyfni in the Afan Valley. The tunnel first opened its doors in 1890, serving as a route for coal trains heading to Swansea Bay until it was closed in 1968, with entrances at both ends now buried. But the society, founded in 2014, has been working tirelessly to gain awareness and funding for the project to re-open the tunnel If converted into a cycle and pedestrian tunnel, it would be the longest in Europe, second only globally to the Snoqualmie Tunnel near Seattle in the USA, which spans 2.5 miles. An old photo of when the tunnel was being bricked up and the stone where Steve wrote his message when he was a boy (Image: Channel 4 ) But it could have been buried and hidden for even longer if founder member of the society, Steve Mackey, hadn't stumbled across the entrance, literally, and it was almost as though it was meant to be. Steve told Matt he remembered the tunnel being closed up when he was a child and being mischievous but intrigued he visited it and graffitied on the stone his name and the words, 'please open me'. Both entrances were landscaped over and buried deep below ground and the tunnel faded from Steve's memory until the day he lost his job a decade ago. He was upset and so went for a 'long, long walk' and stumbled upon a huge bramble bush - he could see something under it and after clearing the foliage away discovered it was the stone with his words on it - the tunnel had 'spookily' reconnected with him. Matt is winched down an air shaft (Image: Channel 4 ) Matt discovered that a hard core of society members, from all walks of life and ages, now spent their time underground working towards giving the tunnel a new lease of life. Society member Brian got Matt ready for the descent into the tunnel that included a boiler suit, hard hat and harness to lower him down the air shaft - currently the only way to gain access. Matt said: "What a brilliant group of people, honestly they're so passionate about their cause - it's bonkers but it's brilliant!" Matt is amazed at the brickwork and condition of the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) As soon as Matt descended into this unique slice of Welsh heritage he was in awe. He commented: "It takes your breath away - you just can't quite believe it, that it's going on for two miles. It feels incredibly special to be experiencing this, honestly I just can't get over it, I can't get over the workmanship, (you can see) the trawl marks. The brick work is absolutely beautiful, pristine." Whilst down the tunnel, Matt helped the team lay a new communication cable as well as being only the second person to ever ride a bike along a section of the structure, he also discovered that the 'band of believers' were down the tunnel every week working on it. Matt arrives in the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) He said: "I love the drive, I love the passion and I love that you're all in it for the same reason - you just want to show the world the potential of this two mile secret. But this lot have only just started and they've got a long journey ahead but they've got the passion, pride and determination to make it happen. That is something that I will never forget - I'll be back when it's open." But Matt is not the only TV celebrity to have been enchanted by the tunnel, and the potential of what could be achieved at the site. Society member Steve Jones takes Matt on a tunnel tour (Image: Channel 4 ) Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts became such an advocate for the work of the tunnel society after being invited to climb down and explore the structure that when the group asked him to become a patron he was thrilled - and since then has been working hard in conjunction with the society to raise awareness, support and funds to eventually realise the vision of the tunnel re-opening and rejuvenating the area. Find out more about that here. Matt is not the first TV celebrity to go down into the tunnel - Martin Roberts beat him to it and is now the society's patron (Image: Martin Roberts / Rhondda Tunnel Society ) Martin is no stranger to Wales, having filmed here multiple times for Homes Under The Hammer as well as owning a stunning farmhouse that is currently a holiday let and continuing to renovate the Hendrewen hotel and pub in Blaencwm, located at the top of the Rhondda Fawr valley. Article continues below But he has told WalesOnline that there will be more progress to announce on the tunnel's development and future very, very soon. For more home content, including products, join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
You can stay in the idyllic house that features in Matt Baker's Our Dream Farm
You can stay in the idyllic house that features in Matt Baker's Our Dream Farm You won't have to milk any cows or deliver any lambs though at this Channel 4 television property Llyn Isaf has been onTV and now it can be in your holiday snaps as your place to stay in Wales (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) If you're looking for a special location in Wales to truly immerse yourself in the staggering beauty of the area, then Eryri Snowdonia is surely a main contender for your free time and holiday budget. There are so many choices of gorgeous places to stay in the national park but maybe you fancy a property that has starred as the property and setting in Channel 4's Our Dream Farm? In the second series of this popular programme, presented by BBC Countryfile and The One Show star Matt Baker, seven applicants that comprised of three individuals and four couples bid to win a 15-year tenancy on the 600-acre National Trust farm in Eryri called Llyndy Isaf, a nature-rich farm comprising lowland fields, woodland and mountain pasture. But there was more to the farm for the applicants to handle; a four-bedroom farmhouse on the shores of Llyn Dinas lake with a two-bedroom annex and two bothies, so welcoming tourists to the site also formed part of the tenancy. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. Matt Baker presents Channel 4's Our Dream Farm (Image: Steven Landles / Channel 4 ) The eight-part television series followed the applicants with a passion for sustainable farming as they were given the opportunity to present business plans and discuss their vision for the future of the farm and the land. But, equally as important to the strategy for the future was the reality of life on the estate, so the applicants were given real-life farming tasks and experiences, such as handling livestock, going to auction, selling produce at a market in Portmeirion, and welcoming tourists to the farm's holiday lets. Channel 4's Our Dream Home winners Sara Jenkins and Ioan Jones at Llyndy Isaf farm (Image: National Trust Images Iolo Penri ) The competitors were observed over a three-week filming period by Giles Hunt, the National Trust's land and estates director, and the National Trust's general manager for Eryri, Trystan Edwards, who together selected the successful applicant. Matt told TV Times: "This isn't a competition where you win a trophy - this is a life change. To be offering that opportunity is incredible. It's not a job, it's a lifestyle, and viewers are fascinated by the passion that applicants have to embrace it." Well positioned to explore Eryri National Park (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) When filming came to an end, Matt posted on his Instagram account: "I've loved shining a light on what our farmers do, a community I'm so proud to be part of, those who care for our countryside, produce our food, and look after our landscape all at the same time." The winners of the second series, and the new tenants of Llyndy Isaf, were Ioan Jones and Sara Jenkins, both aged 28 and who both come from Welsh farming backgrounds with Ioan growing up on his parent's beef and sheep farm in Boduan, Gwynedd, and Sara on her family farm in Tal-y-Bont, Ceredigion. Truly idyllic location (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) Since moving into the property just before Christmas, 2024, to begin their dream of living at and running the farm, the couple have also got engaged. The couple told WalesOnline in May, 2025, they were currently living in the annex while letting out the farmhouse, which is now receiving bookings for 2025, although now with limited availability for summer, and into 2026 via booking website Holiday Cottages. Cosy lounge perfect for gathering by the log burner (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) Llyndy Isaf sleeps six people and two dogs and boasts sweeping views over Llyn Dinas lake as well as easy access to the Nant Gwynant Valley's most iconic trails and landscapes. The Watkin Path to Yr Wyddfa Snowdon is just a mile away and is considered the most challenging and rewarding ascent, meaning walkers and outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat. For gentler adventures, the charming and much-loved village of Beddgelert is just three miles away, offering riverside strolls, traditional pubs, cafés, and even heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway. Dining room has log burner for winter, French doors for summer (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) The farmhouse is described as having a well-equipped kitchen, perfect for crafting hearty breakfasts using local produce from the village, and a spacious table in the dining room that can happily host the whole group. A wood burner adds warmth when needed and French doors frame breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape as well providing instant access out into the garden to be immersed in nature. After a day of adventure, return to the cosy lounge, light the wood burner, sink into the sofas, and unwind with a film on the Smart TV, or surely reruns of Our Dream Farm? Plus, there's a games barn nearby offering air hockey, a pool table, and table tennis. Well-equipped kitchen inside Llyndy Isaf (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) When it's time to rest, retreat upstairs to one of four beautifully appointed bedrooms, two king-size and two doubles, each offering a haven of comfort and its own mesmerising view of the landscape. The modern bathroom offers the choice of a leisurely soak in the bath or a refreshing shower. Four bedrooms means Llyndy Isaf sleeps up to six people (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) There are a number of special spots outside to enjoy alfresco dining as a group, a quiet morning coffee or evening drinks under the stars. On the practical side of things, there's a covered store for bikes and paddleboards, as well as private parking for two cars. Bookings have already been confirmed at this unique TV property in a truly stunning part of Wales, with seven-night stays starting from £563, depending on the time of year of course. This modern bathroom has a separate shower (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) Sara said in May, 2025: 'The farmhouse is fully booked this month so it's going well", and Ioan added: "The bothy has also been very busy with guests so far and we hope to open a second bothy by the start of the summer. Hopefully they will be successful and get busier and busier as word spreads on social media." There are two bothies at the farm and one is available to book (Image: Pic Alan Dop Photography | ) But if you fancy a stay at Llyndy Isaf you might have to fight it out to secure a booking with a certain Matt Baker, who said at the time the couple were announced as winners: "I'm so delighted that Sara and Ioan were awarded the tenancy by the National Trust. "Not only are they a wonderful couple, they're passionate farmers and talented land managers who I'm sure will be an asset to the farm and the Trust. I can't wait to go and stay in their B&B!" For more homes and property television stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. Article continues below Find your own property, maybe even a farm, for sale here:
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Countryfile's Matt Baker admits he 'never wanted to do TV' in honest career admission
BBC Countryfile's Matt Baker admits he 'never wanted to do TV' in honest career admission Countryfile presenter Matt Baker has opened up about his career in television and how he never really wanted to be on the small screen, despite his parents loving it Matt Baker has spoken about never really wanting to do TV work Television host Matt Baker has shared his initial ambivalence towards a career in television during a heartfelt conversation with BBC Radio Wales presenter Eleri Sion about working with his parents on screen. Matt, 47, opened up to the presenter about his unexpected journey into television and the joy of working alongside his mum and dad for the cameras. He revealed that while his parents were naturals when appearing on camera, he hadn't initially envisaged a career for himself in television, reports Gloucestershire Live. Matt remembered: "They loved every second. I mean they're so brilliant on camera my mum and dad. I mean I never really wanted to do TV. "I've got the gift of the gab from them really. We just had fun filming and all the crews are friendly and actually the sound with me back in the day on Blue Peter." The Countryfile presenter has opened up his personal life more than once lately, most recently following the wrap-up of Channel 4 show Our Dream Farm, where young farmers compete to take over a farm in Wales. Article continues below Matt Baker has spoken about how much he enjoyed working with his parents (Image: Steven Landles / Channel 4 ) Taking to Instagram after the show's finale, Matt expressed gratitude to his followers and shared his pleasure in highlighting the efforts of contemporary farmers. He said: "I can't believe that tonight, Saturday, is the final episode of Our Dream Farm. Thank you all for watching and supporting our brilliant young applicants through the series. "I've loved shining a light on what our farmers do - a community I'm so proud to be part of. Those who care for our countryside, produce our food, and look after our landscape all at the same time." Apart from his on-screen endeavours, Matt has also been open about his personal health challenges, including his dyslexia - a condition that didn't hinder him from establishing himself among Britain's television elite. Matt Baker is one of the UK's most prominent dsylexics (Image: ITV ) Remarkably candid about his life-long battle with anaemia, Matt recounted his experience to the Telegraph. He told the publication: "When I was told aged 13 that I was anaemic and had to slow down my gymnastics training, which meant that I wouldn't be able to continue at the level I was at, I was really upset. "I'd lost my identity in a way. But then I just committed to something else: I went off and became a North of England pole-vaulting champion and did sports acrobatics." Article continues below A passionate gymnast from the age of five, Matt embarked on competitive gymnastics, acquiring several junior accolades and a North of England title. He later transitioned to delivering commentary for major events such as the 2024 Olympic Games.
