One animal that Matt regularly photographs is his dog Bob, who helps in his everyday farming activities. He was forced to stop his gymnastics ambition after being diagnosed with anaemia at the age of 14. Filming on the farm where I grew up with my whole family has been a wonderful and unique experience.. You know that its tough to live here. After an appearance in the school production of Grease,[3] it was suggested that he attend drama school. If your living room is smaller than you like, there are many easy ways to give the illusion of more space without the need for a dramatic and Helen Skelton wowed both judges and the public on Friday night with her incredible performance of a Fosse-inspired routine on Strictly Come Matt Baker home: Countryfile's Matt lives with his wife Nicola Mooney and their two children in a Hertfordshire farmhouse look inside. You can unsubscribe at any time. After calling into the Editor's office direct, Baker put together a showreel with footage in the farmyard; reading a story; and riding a unicycle. [citation needed]. His home has a light brick exterior, in keeping with the country feel. One of the first is Romaldkirk, a sleepy hamlet laid out around a green. From 2009, he has co-presented BBC One's Countryfile on Sunday evenings. Matt Baker and his wife and kids move to the organic sheep farm where he grew up in the Durham hills to help secure its future. Barnard Castle is a good place to start your journey through the Durham Dales, or to base yourself for a night or two. Matt Baker is celebrating after his show Our Farm in the Dales landed a primetime Saturday night slot on Channel 4 and has teased that there's more to come. His other duties include picking up a flock of ewes and organising an enchanting woodland cookout. Save 64% off the shop price and pay just 2 per issue! He co-presented the children's television show Blue Peter from 1999 until 2006, BBC One's Countryfile since 2009 and The One Show from 2011 to 2020, with Alex Jones.[1]. When I turn on to the A68, suddenly its as if all of my worries leave me, and I think: wow, Im home. The room has skylights in the ceiling and glass doors leading out to the garden. On a personal note Ive loved getting to know the miniature donkeys.. Matt Baker reveals how his Durham farm has been adapted to make things easier for his parents, following his mother Janice's accident. I went to school in Durham and it was my first introduction to the fact that the world is wider than the hills where I grew up. Sometimes in winter you cant get in or out. Matt is reportedly worth 7million. Our Farm in the Dales viewers gutted as Matt Baker and wife Nicola make sad announcement (Image: Instagram) She took to Instagram to post: "It's the last Our Farm in the Dales tonight at. 46 min 21 Apr 2021. Youre closer to the stars, anyway, so you can see more of them. Joyous.". [14] In his TV series, Matt returned to his childhood home of Durham to help his mother Janice and father Mike. But before the April 21 episode had even aired, Nicola delivered a huge blow to viewers when she revealed it would be the last. Total or partial reproduction of this article and its photographs is prohibited, regardless of links or credits. Its a small city though it didnt feel it then of bridges crisscrossing the river Wear, narrow cobbled streets, elegant houses and spectacular views out to the countryside beyond. Its rough country; its not manicured. They have a smallholding, with Matt sharing pictures of sheep, donkeys and chickens on his Instagram account. Lots of changes have been made to the Durham farm to make . Matt Baker and his family return as they prepare for a busy season at the farm. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 2-min read. Matt Baker: Our Farm on The Dales on More 4 at 9pm and available to watch on the . The series focussed on marine wildlife in Monterey Bay, California. In October 2009, Baker took part in the reality programme Around the World in 80 Days to raise money for Children in Need. Matts parents, Janiceand Mike, live on anorganic sheepfarm that dates back to the 1600s. [5] The couple married at Winston in Teesdale,[3] in 2004[20] and live in Buckinghamshire with their son and daughter. He was one of three main presenters on the final series of the BBC One reality series City Hospital. When Matt Baker's 77-year-old father called him to say his mum had been involved in an accident on their farm, he didn't hesitate. He announced it in an emotional speech to camera where he thanked everyone for their support, especially for the money donated to The Rickshaw Challenges. When you turn up here, you almost feel like you are interrupting locals lives but thats the magic of it. Matt's parents, including his mother Janice, renovated the farm and kept it going for the family. They get hands on for lambing season and there's exciting news for the goats. Well be saying a fond farewell to the puppies as they head to their forever homes. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Baker said the main aim of the series was to provide a sense of escapism and he wanted fans to enjoy meeting his family. The characters around here the farmers and the other neighbours are a real close-knit community. We love watching it". More than one million viewers tuned in to watch the debut episode, making it the biggest audience for More4 since 2014. [22] He is president for Here4Horses.[23]. You can unsubscribe at any time. Another family room and dining areadoubled up as a place for Matt's children to study while their schools were closed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales airs on More4. The most recent photo he posted was of his cutest new puppies reuniting wrapped in soft white blankets. After Middleton, the valley slowly begins to narrow as the road climbs higher, and the wild moorland tops get closer and closer. In early 2011, he was also elected as the president for the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. Take your time plan three or four days or more; stop and explore the villages. More info. Much as I love the city, though, my heart is in the hills and dales, and Ill soon head back there. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Its wonderful that More4 have supported us in being able to share the start of this journey with their audience. Baker left Blue Peter at the end of its 200506 series;[8] his last live show was broadcast on 26 June. Such a genuine family and all the lovely four-legged friends as well. They performed in all thirty-five shows on the tour in arenas throughout Britain and Ireland, winning on twenty-six occasions. During the four episodes, well follow three generations of Bakers round the farmhouse table as they make big decisions for the future of the farm and Matt repairs, reuses and recycles his way through aheftyto do list. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. She took to Instagram to post: "Its the last Our Farm in the Dales tonight at 9pm on More4! Posting a photo of the animal standing inside his house, Matt wrote: "Just rang home my daughter said 'mum's going to send you a picture of the utility roomdon't worry everything is now sorted. He undertook the Kazakhstan to Mongolia leg with Julia Bradbury. Its also my producing and directorial debut with our new production company so it couldn't be more personal. - Newcastle restaurateur Terry Laybourne on reopening St Vincent for first time since Covid, Top city chef and 21 Hospitality Group owner Terry Laybourne talks about the March 9 re-launch of quayside restaurant St Vincent, the effects of the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and Newcastle's current dining scene. As you wind your way up Teesdale, youll go through a string of lovely towns and villages. Matt and his family live in the Chilterns and have their own smallholding. Bookmark. This meant that she was unable to carry out any farm duties. Brilliant programme. Matt Baker takes his mum Janice and dad Mike on some memorable, easy-to-reach excursions around their beloved North East, as they relive old memories and make new ones Sign in to play Episode 4. Fans have fallen in love with the feel-good series, with one saying on Twitter: "Loving Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales. A Year On Our Farm by Matt Baker is published by Michael Joseph, priced 20. Matt also heads to the restoration garage to consider the future of his dad's old Dodge. Baker and his crew were also unable to stay at the farm during the coronavirus pandemic, due to lockdown restrictions. Matt Baker and his wife embarked on a new venture shortly after the TV presenter left The One Show during . Having grown up on his family's sheep farm in the Durham hills, Countryfile and former The One Show presenter Matt Baker is heading back to rescue his family farm after his mum had a. Matt Baker:This is without doubt the most personal TV show Ive ever made. Who is Matt Baker? From Langdon Beck, the road to Weardale winds steeply up to a moorland ridge. The farming is some of the toughest in Britain. The series is also unscripted meaning that the small camera crew follow the family as they go about their daily lives. Alternatively, click here to sign up online. The Langdon Beck Hotel is a real ale pub that over the years has welcomed many a thirsty and sometimes wet and cold farmer and walker alike. The 42-year-old broadcaster was busy over lockdown renovating his incredible Durham farm. Determined to keep farming, the Bakers knew they had to make some changes. ", A third posted: "Noooooo, please make more. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Matt's parents farm which is in the Durham Dales, near to Lanchester appeared in More4's Our Farm in the Dales (2021). Thesiblings were filmed working at the wooden dining table. Weve made 6 programmes this time round, picking up where we left off . cant wait for you to see it.". Its not that easy to get to, which you might say is its saving grace. Matt has a set of concrete steps leading up to his wooden back door. [1], On 8 March 2011, Baker gained media attention by asking then-Prime Minister David Cameron, "How on earth do you sleep at night?". You are practically above the clouds at times. Baker met his wife Nicola, a physiotherapist, when he was performing in the disco show at Pier 39 in Cleethorpes. He has one sister and two half-sisters. He had to hire a local bed and breakfast for his family and the crew to stay in while they filmed the series. On either side is open moorland rising to Noon Hill (603m) on the left and Chapelfell Top (703m) on the right. In this intimate series, Baker returns to his childhood home of Durham to help mother Janice and father Mike. His gymnastic background helped him in physical challenges, including training as a stuntman, and passing the recruitment courses for both the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment. The series is a warm, funny,andoftenemotional look at what it takes for aclose-knitfamily,ably assisted byan eclectic mix of animals, to pull together in the face of adversity., Gareth Collett, Executive Producer for Big Circus Media:Saving his family farm is going to be a long project for Matt but hes got some great plans to give the land he grew up on a brilliant future. As a young lad growing up, it felt very cosmopolitan. The former Blue Peter presenter had to hire a bed and breakfast in the local area for his family and crew to stay in while they filmed the series. The pair have two children together: Luke and Molly Baker. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The A689 brings you eventually to Durham city, the end of our road trip. Matt previously wrote on Instagram: "Hopefully you can join us 9pm on More4. Baking soda cleaning hacks: How to clean oven trays with baking soda, Who owns what fence? [15], In July 2017, Baker co-presented Wild Alaska Live on BBC One with Steve Backshall and Liz Bonnin. The series is also unscripted meaning that the small camera crew follow the family as they go about their daily lives. Theyll have their work cutout,but can the Baker familymake the changes neededso the farm can enter a new chapter? Theres an amazing sense of open space, and I love the fact that you can see the weather coming from miles away. READ MORE:Matt Baker leaves mum overwhelmed with touching surprise. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The show's star and executive producer. Having grown up on a farm in the Dales, Countryfile and former The One Show presenter Matt Baker, his wife Nicola and their two children will be heading back to the family farm in the Dales for the second season of the hit show. It feels real. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. These activities include herding sheep and feeding the farm animals. Aside from his dog Bob, he has chickens, goats, sheep, lambs, donkeys, horses and multiple dogs. The family farm is a few miles west of Durham, at the gateway to the Durham Dales. Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales - Series 3: Episode 6 | All 4 Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales Series 3 Episode 6 The Bakers call in some local storm-proofing experts to safeguard. Matt met his physiotherapist wife when he was performing in a disco show at Pier 39 in Cleethorpes. Matt admitted he uses a turntable record player that once belonged to his granddad to regularly to play old vinyl records. [4] He took A-levels in Drama, Biology and Sports Science at Durham Sixth Form Centre. "Dad rang up and said 'Mum's had a nasty . Matt was partnered with former Strictly professional dancer, Aliona Vilani, finishing in second place. [7], During his seven years on Blue Peter, Matt's colleagues were Katy Hill, Konnie Huq, Simon Thomas, Liz Barker, Ze Salmon and Gethin Jones. He averaged around 60 miles per day, raising well over 1.5 million for the charity. The four part series shows the transition the presenter made moving his family from the south to rural living up north. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. #MattBaker". In a penned piece for iNews, Matt wrote: ""It was one of those scenarios when you automatically go into rescue mode, so we downed tools, went up there and from day one, it was all hands on deck. Baker and his crew were actually unable to stay at the farm themselves during the Coronavirus pandemic, due to lockdown restrictions. [9] In August 2010, Baker co-presented the first series of Secret Britain with Julia Bradbury and presented One Man and His Dog with Kate Humble. Matt Baker and his wife and kids move to the organic sheep farm where he grew up in the Durham hills to help secure its future. Matt is married to his childhood sweetheart, Nicola Mooney. The 43-year-old from County Durham now continues to host BBC's Countryfile and BBC Sport. [21], In early 2011, Baker was elected as the president for the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. A post shared by Matt Baker (@mattbakerofficial). He had previously worked as an entertainer with a 1970s comedy disco-dancing revival show called Disco Inferno, which toured the north of England. The Durham Dales are basically two long, green valleys Teesdale and Weardale that rise from the rolling farmland west of Durham, climbing high up to the rugged open moorland of the North Pennines. For the BBC's coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Baker commentated on the gymnastics events. Matt Baker is a British television presenter when not on television, he spends his time outdoors. 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But just for the record, Barnard Castle the southern gateway to Teesdale is an hour and 20 minutes from Leeds, or a couple of hours from Manchester so its not that far away, really. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. [2][5][6], Baker wanted to become a physiotherapist, but did not achieve the necessary academic standards. Everybody helps each other. Matt lives in the Hertfordshire with his family and their own farm. Photos from Matts Instagram account reveals a snapshot of just how large the farm is, with greenery stretching as far as the eye could see. [13], In 2015, Baker along with Mel Giedroyc co-hosted four-part BBC One series The Gift. Express.co.uk has all you need to know about where the farm is and what it looks like. Matt attended Easington Village School, then, when he was aged 10, his parents bought a farm west of Durham, which they moved into and renovated. "I am a northerner through and through and the Durham Dales, where . Express.co.uk has all you need to know about where the farmhouse is and whether you can stay there. The former The One Show star's garden features dry stone walls, wild bushes and a small blue shed that was visible in the background of this picture. Everything you need to know about the Countryfile presenter. The loop from Barnard Castle, northwest along Teesdale, over the top to Weardale and finishing at Durham city, has to be one of the best routes in Britain. The TV star could be seen ripping down a wall made of wooden panels, while his daughter Molly filmed his progress., Matt's home also has a utility room, which one of their sheep once managed to get into. Just as well - because it's not easy living up here. ", GALLERY:Inside the most stylish celebrity kitchens. DON'T MISS:Orchid care: How to get an orchid to re-flower in one step[COMMENT]When to prune hydrangeas - Best time to cut back hydrangea[INSIGHT]Gardening: Two ways to get rid of weeds from your lawn[TIPS]. The star, who previously presented Blue Peter, lives in Durham with his wife and two kids who will feature on the show. Following Manford's resignation on 18 November 2010, Baker acted as a guest co-host on the programme. More info. [citation needed] He was asked to come to London the next day for an interview, and made his first appearance on the show on 25 June 1999. HELLO! READ MORE:The home improvement that can decrease property value by 4,500. The star left the BBC's The One Show after receiving the news that his mother had been in an accident and needed knee surgery. But then the summer comes along and no matter how short it is, it somehow makes all the struggling worthwhile. In 2005, he briefly appeared as himself, as the presenter of Blue Peter, in an episode of sci-fi series Doctor Who, when The Doctor was flicking through television channels. Something went wrong, please try again later. In June 2006, Baker played the role of Dick from The Famous Five in The Queen's Handbag. A few miles or so north of Middleton-in-Teesdale lies High Force, an amazing waterfall that you just have to see.Just before the tiny village of Forest-in-Teesdale, the landscape levels off into gently rolling grassy fields dotted with farmhouses. MORE:13 celebrities with amazing outdoor kitchens and dining areas, Matt previously shared a look at the renovations he had been undertaking in the outdoor barn of the property. The couple married at Winston in Teesdale, in 2004. Theres a string of hamlets and villages along the way, including Cowshill, where the Killhope Burn river rushes beneath a stone bridge before crashing over Burtreeford Falls. He provided commentary for the gymnastics at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, as well as doing some presenting work. Star Matt Baker See production, box office & company info Add to Watchlist 4 User reviews Episodes 12 Browse episodes 3 seasons 2 years Photos Add photo ITV Dancing On Ice's Christopher Dean issues Jayne Torvill health announcement. Please credit Channel 4 and include transmission details. Series 2 Episode 1. Matt Baker was born on 23rd December 1977 in Easington, County Durham, UK, to Michael and Janice Baker. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Matt Baker is simply the nicest man on TV. Matt Baker featured in the series Our Farm in the Dales and the four-part season went down a huge hit. [citation needed]. Everybody helps each other. You can unsubscribe at any time. You sense the history of all that hard work on the land, and in the mines and quarries around. WATCH:Matt Baker shares genius kitchen hack - and fans are impressed! In this intimate series, Baker returns to his childhood home of Durham to help mother Janice and father Mike. As you head north from Scotch Corner, everything on the left-hand side is lovely: miles of green fields rising to massive shoulders of fell, moorland and commons, with the green dales between them.. The 42-year-old broadcaster was busy over lockdown renovating his incredible Durham farm. Matt Baker fights back tears on ITV's Lorraine, BBC Breakfast star Charlie Stayt halts show to warn Lenny Henry 'you shouldn't say that', Charlie was hosting BBC Breakfast on Thursday - but warned Lenny: "You really shouldn't say that. Its full of interesting shops and cafes, and great walks out of town and along the river, perhaps to the eerie ruins of Egglestone Abbey. For other people named Matt Baker or Matthew Baker, see, Matt Baker presenting the BBC's coverage of, Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down, Member of the Order of the British Empire, National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, "Matt Baker named as new One Show presenter", "TV personality Matt Baker favourite to take Strictly Come Dancing crown", "Strictly Come Dancing 2010 - Matt Baker", "Countryfile moves to peak time on BBC One", "Matt Baker, David Cameron's baby-faced assassin", "Stars saddle-up for Only Fools on Horses", "BBC One commissions Wild Alaska Live with Steve Backshall, Matt Baker and Liz Bonnin", "Kara Tointon crowned Strictly Come Dancing winner", "Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sunderland Empire", "Ann Cleeves and Matt Baker awarded Queen's honours", "Countryfile's Matt Baker elected president of Young Farmers' Clubs", "Countryfile presenter appointed president of equine charity", "Big Blue Live: BBC One for huge live event", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Matt_Baker&oldid=1129895453, People educated at Easington Community Science College, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Stand-in presenter for Magic FM breakfast show, Liverpool 2022 Gymnastics World Championships, This page was last edited on 27 December 2022, at 16:56. When asked about the filming location Matt said: The scenery is spectacular. They have a smallholding, with Matt sharing pictures of sheep, donkeys and chickens on his Instagram account. Everyone comes north up the M6 and turns left at the Lake District, but they never turn right, over the North Pennines to the Durham Dales. In his latest series Our Farm in the Dales the country boy turned presenter moves back to his family's farm in the Durham hills to help secure its future.. From the age of 5 Baker was a keen dancer and began competing as a gymnast whilst at school. It can be quite bleak up there; these are vast moors. Type your email address into the 'sign up box' at the top of this article, click 'subscribe' and you'll receive your first newsletter at the next release. TV's Matt Baker has gone back to his roots. ", Matt too confirmed the show was coming to an end, when he took to Instagram to write: "Its the last episode of Our farm in the Dales tonight.. i cant believe how quick its gone..Im so proud of my family and the great team of friends whove helped to create it! hopefully you can join us on more 4 at 9pm for the last instalment of new beginnings. Series two begins as lambing season starts and the Bakers have to get straight to work on the family farm. Its a lovely old-fashioned market town laid out around a crumbling castle perched above the rocky waters of the Tees. Matt's. Matt and his family are currently appearing together on Channel 4's Our Farm in the Dales. There are waterfalls, lakes, rivers, meadows, wild uplands and amazing views. Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Daleswas commissioned by Channel 4s Deputy Head of Formats & Features Sean Doyle. The room has a log-burning fire and sofas, with a green bookcase positioned against one wall. ", One of his followers was quick to express their sadness at the news, commenting: "Nooooo please make more we've loved it. When presenter Matt Baker received a phone call telling him his mum had been in an accident and needed knee surgery, he decamped his entire family to his parent's farm in the Durham Dales Matt . Now this area is like a magnet for me. If you come in spring, the meadows are full of breeding redshanks, lapwings and oystercatchers. Matt Baker returns home to rescue his family farm in Our Farm in the Dales, Channel 4 initiates Turkey-Syria Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) advert across 29 channels, Crufts returns to Channel 4, More4 and All 4 with wall-to-wall coverage, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins USA Heading to E4, Grant, Joshua and Hilary Pass SAS: Who Dares Wins - Jungle Hell Selection in Dramatic Series Finale. In my eyes, the A68 is the best road in Britain. Our Farm in the Dales is coming back. The BBC star moved from Hertfordshire to the. The heartwarming series touches on an emotional period of his life when he moved his family to Durham to help his parents run the family farm. Its a brilliant place to blow the cobwebs away and listen to the sound of curlews on the breeze. Baker's dog Meg, seen alongside him on the programme from 2000 onwards, left with him. Matt Baker featured in two series of Our Farm in the Durham Dales and the six-part season went down a huge hit. Championing traditional craft and heritage skills along the way, Matt will callonthe services of local expertsand friendsto help the family out and heeven finds the time to save his Dads 1946 Dodge car thats been left in a field for 20 years.