Countryfile star bags brand new role worlds away from hit BBC farming series
A COUNTRYFILE star has bagged a brand new role away from the hit BBC show.
Matt Baker took to social media to give his fans a behind the scenes sneak peek at his new role.
Matt, 46, shot to prominence on hit children’s programme Blue Peter back in 1999.
Since then, he has gone on to become a mainstay across British TV screens.
When it comes to radio, he has been known to pop up occasionally on BBC Radio 4.
Alongside his duties on the long-running TV nature show, Matt also presented the Open Country audio programme.
This was a magazine show that featured people across the UK, who were an important part of the country’s landscape and wildlife.
However, he has now landed another radio gig, as he made his official debut on BBC Radio 2.
The media personality took over the 6am Good Morning Sunday show for the week.
Reverend Kate Bottley and Jason Mohammad both appeared to be absent as Matt sat in for the show’s hosts.
Clearly enjoying the show, Matt took to his Instagram story as he showed his loyal followers around the studio in a behind-the-scenes clip.
Sitting behind the desk, he explained: “So this is what it looks like behind the scenes at Radio 2, here we are!”
He then introduced various BBC radio producers on social media, saying: “There’s Will, Jenny’s in there as well.”
Matt added: “Anyway, I better get concentrating because I’m supposed to be presenting the radio”.
The TV star first joined the Countryfile presenting team in 2009 – three years after he left Blue Peter – and has been a mainstay of the nature show ever since.
He previously sat alongside veteran broadcaster Alex Jones on The One Show from 2011 until 2020.
Countryfile presenting team
Agricultural programme Countryfile launched on the BBC in 1988. In its long history, the show's seen several presenters come and go. Let's take a look at the current line-up.
- John Craven: The longest-serving presenter, having debuted in 1989, John is also known for his work on Newsround from 1972–1989.
- Adam Henson: Adam, who comes from a farming family, joined the presenting team in 2001. His other media work includes BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today and BBC Two’s Lambing Live.
- Matt Baker: Having joined the line-up in 2009, Matt also presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones from 2011 to 2020. Before that, he hosted Blue Peter from 1999 to 2006.
- Tom Heap: Tom joined Countryfile in 2009 and in April 2012, he took over the investigative reporter role from John Craven. He has also presented The Climate Show on Sky News.
- Helen Skelton: Another former Blue Peter presenter, she hosted the beloved children’s programme from 2008 to 2013. Helen joined the Countryfile team in 2014 and has competed in Strictly Come Dancing.
- Anita Rani: Anita was added to Countryfile in 2015 and has presented other programmes for the Beeb including The Refugee Camp: Our Desert Home, among others.
- Sean Fletcher: Newsreader and presenter Sean joined Countryfile in 2015. He is also known for Good Morning Britain, Songs of Praise and BBC Breakfast.