Matt Baker returned to host the BBC's live coverage of the European Gymnastics Championships on August 21, making an announcement at the start of the broadcast. The Countryfile star guided BBC Two viewers through the third day of the men's event, where the apparatus finals took place in Zagreb, Croatia, from 5pm.
At the beginning of the live coverage, Baker welcomed British gymnast Luke Whitehouse to the BBC team, alongside regular commentator Sam Oldham.
New presenter joins the team
After watching a round-up of last year's competition, Baker said: "Oh what a Euros it was! Our former GB gymnastics star Sam Oldham joins us again, and alongside him we have somebody that you may well have seen in that montage, the reigning European floor champion and recent Commonwealth floor champion, Luke Whitehouse."
He added: "Welcome to you both, and Luke, thanks for joining us. Super to see you. You've brought your medals with you!" Three of Whitehouse's medals were visible on the table as he reflected on the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Reflecting on the Commonwealth Games
Whitehouse said: "Getting another title, [I'm] trying to tick them all off. But yeah, the Commonwealths was such an incredible competition. The atmosphere in the arena, yeah it was so good."
Baker replied: "Just the vibe of the whole event and just being there, you know, absolutely superb." Oldham then praised Whitehouse's efforts, saying: "He really does [deliver], Matt. Floor is one of those apparatus, I'm sure Luke will agree, where there's so much that can go wrong."
Oldham continued: "You've got to land five or six tumbles and for Luke to go out there in a pressure situation, hit another floor routine, one of the most difficult in the world, and pick up another gold medal - it really was an amazing performance."
Why Whitehouse is not competing in Zagreb
Explaining why he was not competing in Croatia, Whitehouse revealed: "At the start of the year, it was decided that for the wellbeing of the gymnasts... we'd only be competing in either the Commonwealths or the Europeans. I got selected to compete at the Commonwealths, so obviously, [I] can't go to the Europeans and retain the title."
Baker concluded: "Total respect to you mate, and we're delighted that you're here sharing your insight with the Euros this year." Coverage of the European Gymnastics Championships is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
