BBC Countryfile stars Matt Baker and Anita Rani were overcome with emotion during a poignant festive special filmed in a picturesque Cornish village.
A Festive Visit to Cadgwith Cove
The presenters, alongside fellow host Adam Henson, explored the tight-knit community of Cadgwith on Cornwall's coastline for a Christmas edition of the popular rural affairs programme, which aired on Sunday, 21st December 2025. The episode showcased the unique ways the village celebrates the season, from delivering Christmas trees and crafting traditional pasties to filling the local pub with the sound of sea shanties.
One standout moment proved particularly powerful for the presenting duo. Villagers gathered in the pub to perform a medley of Christmas carols ahead of the ceremonial switch-on of the village lights, which beautifully illuminate the cove.
"Absolutely Hits You in the Heart"
Visibly touched by the heartfelt performance, Anita Rani, 48, immediately reacted. "That was beautiful. So emotional," she said, adding, "What a special place this is!"
Matt Baker, 47, was in full agreement, sharing his raw reaction with the community. "Absolutely hits you in the heart," he stated. "Thank you everybody for your warm welcome. Thank you, honestly!" Reflecting on the entire day, which culminated in the festive lights display, Anita described the experience as "absolutely magical."
Lighter Moments and Farm Life Updates
The episode wasn't without its lighter exchanges. Earlier, while preparing pasties, Matt asked Anita if she had finished hers. She joked: "I am so full of pasty that I can't actually move, so you have to leave me here. I'm staying! Alright, I'm sticking around!" Matt playfully offered to pick her up at New Year's, a plan to which she happily agreed.
The duo signed off by wishing viewers a happy Christmas as the locals sang 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' in the background.
This heartwarming television moment comes after Matt Baker has been keeping followers updated on his own family's farming life. Earlier in the year, he thrilled fans with a video from his farm in Durham, showcasing his growing flock of Herdwick and Black Welsh Mountain sheep. The move to manage the family farm with his wife Nicola and their children was documented in the Channel 4 series Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales.
Countryfile continues to air on Sundays on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
