Countryfile presenter Matt Baker made an emotional announcement live on air over the weekend, paying tribute to two BBC colleagues who are leaving the gymnastics commentary team. The 48-year-old host was presenting coverage of the second part of the apparatus finals from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on Sunday, October 25.
The event featured the men's vault, parallel bars and horizontal bars, as well as the women's balance beam and floor finals. Matt began the live broadcast in the studio alongside Beth Tweddle before moving to the commentary box.
Tribute to departing colleagues
Later in the broadcast, Matt took a moment to thank Christine Still and Craig Heap, who have anchored the BBC's Olympic and World Championship gymnastics coverage for many years. Before the men's finals commenced, he said: "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."
He added: "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."
Emotional farewell
An emotional compilation of Christine and Craig's most memorable moments aired before the camera cut to the pair in the commentary box. "Wonderful pictures and wonderful storytelling," Matt said.
He continued: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but this could be the last time that we all sit together and enjoy the gymnastics. Christine, we have worked together for 20 years. You've been like a mum to me, you really have, as we've travelled all over the world together. And may I say, I've loved every single second."
Addressing Craig, he said: "We've been friends for many, many years. I've loved your company, mate. Honestly, I'm so gonna miss you both, I really am." Christine replied: "We'll miss you as well, Matt. I've been so lucky." Craig added: "All good things have to come to an end, I guess... I'm going to miss you all... I'll stop right there before I start crying."
Viewers react
BBC audiences were moved by the tribute. "Gonna be so weird not hearing Christine Still and Craig Heap commentating on gymnastics on the BBC anymore," one person wrote on X. Another added: "Omg Craig and Christine are leaving." A third said: "I'm actually in tears. End of an era." Someone else commented: "I am gutted. Gutted the trio are no longer together."
A fifth viewer shared: "That is so sad. I watch the gymnastics in the Olympic Games and not hearing their voices will be different... They will be missed." Coverage of the Gymnastics World Championships is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
