Countryfile presenter Matt Baker has admitted that he and fellow celebrities would "drink quite a lot of alcohol" after filming a BBC Sport Relief show to manage their nerves.
The revelation came during his conversation with Sara Cox on a recent episode of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, where the former Blue Peter host reflected on his presenting duties at the recent Gymnastics World Championships.
Reflections on Only Fools on Horses
Sara disclosed that she and Matt first "properly" met on Only Fools on Horses, an equestrian-themed BBC reality programme for Sport Relief in 2006, fronted by Angus Deayton and Kirsty Gallacher. The contestants included Jenni Falconer, Ruby Wax, Sally Gunnell and Anna Ryder-Richardson.
Sara observed that it had been two decades since they took part in the programme, and that it seemed like a "cheese dream" when she reflected upon it.
Dealing with the nerves
Matt joked that he and Sara "lived in a stable" together for a fortnight, while Sara outlined the concept to audiences. Famous faces were challenged with taking part in a series of equestrian events, with one personality being eliminated each day.
Matt said: "I mean, Ruby was black and blue the entire week. And we used to, sort of, drink quite a lot of alcohol afterwards, just to sort of deal with the nerves, cos we were shaking, weren't we? We'd go back in to, sort of, show jump for survival the next night."
Sara remarked: "Live on telly. I mean, how did they get that through the health and safety?"
This comes after reports of Matt making a sad announcement while covering the second part of the apparatus finals (gymnastics) from Rotterdam.
Tribute to departing colleagues
Later in the broadcast, Matt honoured his BBC colleagues, Olympic and World Championship gymnastics presenters Christine Still and Craig Heap, who were set to depart the team.
Matt stated: "I just want to take a moment to say a heartfelt and a massive thank you to two very special people, who are sitting either side of me right now.
"And for those of you who've enjoyed our gymnastics coverage on the BBC over the years, you will be very familiar with the wonderful voices of Christine Still and Craig Heap. Now, Christine was one of the first female commentators that BBC Sport has ever had, when she started back in 1993.
"And here we are, Christine, 33 years on. Craig, you joined the team just before Rio in 2016, and, along the way, we have witnessed some incredible moments together."
A compilation of the duo's memorable moments subsequently played, before the camera cut to them in the commentary box. Matt declared: "Wonderful pictures and wonderful storytelling."
