Countryfile presenter Matt Baker has spoken candidly about his decision to step away from The One Show after almost a decade, describing it as an easy choice driven by family needs. In a repeat episode of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, Baker discussed his children growing up and his role helping his parents manage their farm in the Durham Dales.
Baker reveals the decision was not difficult
When Alan Titchmarsh asked whether the "life-changing" move was a big step, Baker replied, "To be honest with you, Alan, it was kind of the reverse of that." He explained that the real culture shock came when he first left home for London to join Blue Peter as a young man, feeling completely alien to someone raised in the countryside.
Mother's accident prompted return
Baker revealed he was just 20 when he realised farming would always be central to his identity, even as his TV career soared. The decisive moment came when a sheep charged into his mother, leaving her with a badly broken leg. "I didn't think twice about heading back there and doing what needed to be done," he said, noting the farm required significant changes after the incident.
Balancing family and Countryfile
Despite leaving The One Show, Baker remains part of the Countryfile family, which requires time away from his wife and children. In a previous appearance on Lorraine, he and his wife Nicola discussed how they cope with separation. "We're such doers in our lives, and we're so supportive of what each other wants to do, we've just found our way through," Baker shared. Nicola added, "We make the most of the time that we have together and prioritise that."
Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh is available to watch on ITVX.
