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. [4] He took A-levels in Drama, Biology and Sports Science at Durham Sixth Form Centre. Express. 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 . Matt Baker was born on 23rd December 1977 in Easington, County Durham, UK, to Michael and Janice Baker. More than one million viewers tuned in to watch the debut episode, making it the biggest audience for More4 since 2014. 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. Viewers will alsoget to knowthe menagerie of animals that inhabit the farm from the adorable miniature donkeys who live in a bespoke tiny stableyardand thelitter of Cairn Terrier pups who arrive midway through the series. 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. 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. After Middleton, the valley slowly begins to narrow as the road climbs higher, and the wild moorland tops get closer and closer. [3] He continued his education at Belmont Comprehensive School in Durham and was a budding gymnast, but was forced to give up after being diagnosed with anaemia aged 14. "We live a life thats up and down the whole time anyway I am a northerner through and through and the Durham Dales, where I grew up, are like a magnet; I cant stay away. Its the huge open spaces, and the peace, that I love. They have a smallholding, with Matt sharing pictures of sheep, donkeys and chickens on his Instagram account. He said he did not want to feel like a presenter this time around, and instead wanted viewers to feel like they were simply joining him on his farm. Matt previously wrote on Instagram: "Hopefully you can join us 9pm on More4. In 2003, Baker learned to fly hang gliders and made a successful tandem world record-breaking flight with Airways Airsports instructor Judy Leden MBE. Theyll have their work cutout,but can the Baker familymake the changes neededso the farm can enter a new chapter? [17] Baker and Vilani also participated in the 2011 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. Matt Baker reveals how his Durham farm has been adapted to make things easier for his parents, following his mother Janice's accident. ", Another said: "I love the Baker family! They get hands on for lambing season and there's exciting news for the goats. 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. Most of them were students. Baker said the main aim of the series was to provide a sense of escapism and he wanted fans to enjoy meeting his family. Returningto thefarmwith his family,Matt was faced with the challenge ofkeeping the remote farm running and helping his mum overcome injuries from her accident. Something went wrong, please try again later. In the summer of 2006, Baker was a celebrity showjumper in the Sport Relief event Only Fools on Horses. Baker left Blue Peter at the end of its 200506 series;[8] his last live show was broadcast on 26 June. You're a national treasure" and another appealed: "Surely theres another series!!! Following Manford's resignation on 18 November 2010, Baker acted as a guest co-host on the programme. #MattBaker". Matt Baker and his wife embarked on a new venture shortly after the TV presenter left The One Show during . This clip is for promotional use only. However, we can look to previous seasons for hints as the first series aired in March 2021 and the second lot of episodes aired in October. Matt Baker's TV show set on the family farm in Durham County has been recommissioned for two more series and a Christmas special. From Langdon Beck, the road to Weardale winds steeply up to a moorland ridge. "Dad rang up and said 'Mum's had a nasty . Matt Baker with mum and dad, Janice and Mike (Image: Channel 4) Group 28 Get the latest County Durham news and updates delivered straight to your inbox - sign up for free email updates ITV Dancing On Ice judge Christopher announced Jayne is out of surgery - and it was a success. The whole area is a hidden gem. [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. [2][5][6], Baker wanted to become a physiotherapist, but did not achieve the necessary academic standards. [12] Matt continued his previous commentating work by providing commentary for the Tokyo 2020 gymnastics events. More info. Normally, the Countryfile star lives with his wife Nicola and their children Luke and Molly in. The presenter said he wanted to make sure his loved ones were happy with what was being shown to the public. Matt admitted he uses a turntable record player that once belonged to his granddad to regularly to play old vinyl records. Matt said: This is, without doubt, the most personal TV show Ive ever made. WATCH MATT BAKER: OUR FARM IN THE DALES AT 9 PM ON MORE4, AND GET FREAKY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK. 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. READ MORE:The home improvement that can decrease property value by 4,500. Nicola appears in More4's Our Farm in the Dales with Matt and his parents' farm. Hope you all enjoy the last one! 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. 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. The most recent photo he posted was of his cutest new puppies reuniting wrapped in soft white blankets. Matt met his physiotherapist wife when he was performing in a disco show at Pier 39 in Cleethorpes. After an appearance in the school production of Grease,[3] it was suggested that he attend drama school. Television presenter Matt Baker receives a call that leads him to move his wife and two children north to run his family's sheep farm in the Durham hills after his mum had a serious accident Television presenter Matt Baker receives a call that leads him to move his wife and two children north to run his family's sheep farm in the Durham hills after his mum had a serious accident. They performed in all thirty-five shows on the tour in arenas throughout Britain and Ireland, winning on twenty-six occasions. Thesiblings were filmed working at the wooden dining table. Figures from 2018 show that he was earning between 450,000 to 499,000 a year with the BBC when he was presenting The One Show. Everybody helps each other. The couple married at Winston in Teesdale, in 2004. At the remote hamlet of Langdon Beck, theres a network of footpaths on the river banks and across farmland here if you fancy a stroll. When it feels right, get out of the car and go for a walk (so youll need a good map, such as the Ordnance Survey OL 31). The 100-acre farm is in the Durham Hills and Baker said it had been an emotional journey returning to support his family. Baker co-presented Countryfile Summer Diaries on weekday mornings on BBC One, along with Open Country for Radio 4 and Animal Rescue Squad and Animal Rescue Squad International for Channel 5. The episodes were shown across a week and were broadcast live from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London. The interaction between the generations of your family is just so heartwarming to watch. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Last summer, Matt received a call that would lead him to move his wife and two children north to run the farm. When Michael called Matt and informed him that his mum had been involved in an accident on their farm, he immediately decided to relocate to the farm to assist his parents. Want the latest County Durham news delivered straight to your inbox? By taking these embed codes you are agreeing to the terms and conditions. There are waterfalls, lakes, rivers, meadows, wild uplands and amazing views. In this intimate series, Baker returns to his childhood home of Durham to help mother Janice and father Mike. Matt and his family will also be travelling around the UK to re-stock the farm with more suitable sheep to fit in with their plans for the future. ", READ MORE:Matt Baker 'emotional' as dad's car restarts on Our Farm in the Dales. If you come in spring, the meadows are full of breeding redshanks, lapwings and oystercatchers. Matt is reportedly worth 7million. We would often take a boat out and row down there, which is lovely. You can unsubscribe at any time. He had to hire a local bed and breakfast for his family and the crew to stay in while they filmed the series. As you wind your way up Teesdale, youll go through a string of lovely towns and villages. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The fields are divided by a grid of drystone walls and in midsummer they are full of wildflowers that remind me of the hay meadows on the family farm with the likes of buttercups, hay rattle and red clover, all buzzing with bees. HELLO! However, the family did relocate to Matt's family farm in the Durham Dales during lockdown last year after his mum. Its definitely worth stopping for a wander, and perhaps a coffee at the Rose and Crown.A few miles further on lies Middleton-in-Teesdale, a leafy market town whose streets are lined with handsome stone houses. Youre closer to the stars, anyway, so you can see more of them. In March 2007, and again in 2008, Baker co-presented coverage of Crufts. 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. From the age of 5 Baker was a keen dancer and began competing as a gymnast whilst at school. The County Durham- based series has proved to be a real hit with a large demographic of viewers as cameras followed former Blue Peter and The One Show host Matt returned to home turf to support his parents on their farm, after his mum Janice was left seriously injured in an accident which saw her knocked over by a flock of sleep. From the castle, the old stone bridge over the Tees leads you to the Middleton road (B6277). The first series was a major success for Channel 4's sister channel More4, quickly becoming the channel's most successful new commission. ITV Dancing On Ice's Christopher Dean issues Jayne Torvill health announcement. Matts parents, Janiceand Mike, live on anorganic sheepfarm that dates back to the 1600s. Filming on the farm where I grew up with my whole family has been a wonderful and unique experience. Matt has previously appearedon The One Show from his living room, where he has embraced the country theme through his dcor, including framed bird artwork hanging on the walls and cushions embroidered with pheasants. By what name was Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales (2021) officially released in Canada in English? Its also my producing and directorial debut with our new production company so it couldn't be more personal. The series has appealed to viewers of all ages and there will most definitely be calls for a second season. As part of the celebration for London's winning bid to host the 2012 Olympics, Baker co-hosted the London 2012 party with Claudia Winkleman on 24 August 2008, after the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Baker's dog Meg, seen alongside him on the programme from 2000 onwards, left with him. He was forced to stop his gymnastics ambition after being diagnosed with anaemia at the age of 14. EPISODE 1. [citation needed], Matt's last show on "The One Show" was on Tuesday 31 March 2020, where he wasn't on the couch with co-presenter Alex Jones, but was at home in self isolation. Matt Baker: Our Farm on The Dales on More 4 at 9pm and available to watch on the . Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Matt is married to his wife and physiotherapist, Nicola, who he wed back in 2004 and the couple share son Luke and daughter Molly together. Matt Baker's family has a farm in County Durham (Image: Channel 4) Television presenter and producer Matt Baker joined a County Durham tractor club as it raised 2,000 for the Sir Bobby Robson . He has one sister and two half-sisters. The BBC star moved from Hertfordshire to the. The farming is some of the toughest in Britain. In early 2011, he was also elected as the president for the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. The presenter also has a separate Instagram account Farm on the hill dedicated to sharing the most adorable pictures of his animals on his 1,000ft above sea level farm. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Matt is married to his childhood sweetheart, Nicola Mooney. If you havent seen the first few you can catch up on demand on All4. [10] He later took over as a permanent presenter on the show, co-hosting with Alex Jones from Monday to Thursday. Matt Baker:This is without doubt the most personal TV show Ive ever made. Two beige sofas are positioned around the fireplace, which has a television mounted on the wall overhead. The family farm is a few miles west of Durham, at the gateway to the Durham Dales. Baking soda cleaning hacks: How to clean oven trays with baking soda, Who owns what fence? His mother had been involved in a farming accident which left her injured and she was unable to carry out her usual duties. Matt Baker was also a Torch Bearer for the Olympic Flame as it was carried into Durham City as part of the flame's tour of Great Britain. [15], In July 2017, Baker co-presented Wild Alaska Live on BBC One with Steve Backshall and Liz Bonnin. 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. When I turn on to the A68, suddenly its as if all of my worries leave me, and I think: wow, Im home. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Please note terms and conditions apply, and are accessible via the link at the bottom of the page. Its a brilliant place to blow the cobwebs away and listen to the sound of curlews on the breeze. In his TV series,. Express.co.uk has all you need to know about where the farmhouse is and whether you can stay there. We love watching it". But where was Our Farm in the Dales filmed? From St Johns Chapel, if youve time, turn left and head north for Upper Weardale. The 43-year-old from County Durham now continues to host BBC's Countryfile and BBC Sport. The star, who previously presented Blue Peter, lives in Durham with his wife and two kids who will feature on the show. The farming is some of the toughest in Britain. 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]. And, of course, youve got to go to the cathedral. Our Farm in the Dales is filmed on-location at the Baker's 100-acre family farm in the Durham Dales. [16], In 2010, Baker participated in the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with professional ballroom dancer Aliona Vilani,[6] finishing in second place to the winners Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev in the final. Television presenter Matt Baker receives a call that leads him to move his wife and two children north to run his family's sheep farm in the Durham hills after his mum had a serious accident Read allTelevision presenter Matt Baker receives a call that leads him to move his wife and two children north to run his family's sheep farm in the Durham hills after his mum had a serious accident.Television presenter Matt Baker receives a call that leads him to move his wife and two children north to run his family's sheep farm in the Durham hills after his mum had a serious accident. I feel at my happiest here; its where Im meant to be. Determined to keep farming, the Bakers knew they had to make some changes. GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes. Brilliant programme. ", A third posted: "Noooooo, please make more. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. But before the April 21 episode had even aired, Nicola delivered a huge blow to viewers when she revealed it would be the last. The farmland gets narrower and narrower. Matt Baker, pictured here on BBC's Countryfile, grew up with a small farm and has gone onto have a family farm of his own. 2023 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Filming on the farm where I grew up with my whole family has been a wonderful and unique experience.. Matt and his family are currently appearing together on Channel 4's Our Farm in the Dales. 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. The farm is privately owned by the family and it seems it is not open to members of the public. Unfortunately, the farm is not open to members of the public as it is privately owned by the Baker family. For the BBC's coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Baker commentated on the gymnastics events. 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. Normally, the Countryfile star lives with his wife Nicola and their children Luke and Molly in an idyllic farmhouse. 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. WATCH:Matt Baker shares genius kitchen hack - and fans are impressed! [11], On 4 December 2019, Baker announced on The One Show that he would be leaving in the spring of 2020. Baker and his crew were also unable to stay at the farm during the coronavirus pandemic, due to lockdown restrictions. The Durham Dales incorporating Teesdale and Weardale is a peaceful and tranquil landscape of moors, hills, valleys and meandering rivers with small villages and market towns. The Durham Dales sound idyllic but no one ever knows where they are. Another fan added: "Thankyou for making Our Farm In The Dales, it is restoring my faith in humanity. Its a lovely old-fashioned market town laid out around a crumbling castle perched above the rocky waters of the Tees. [citation needed], In the late 1990s, as a drama student at Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, Baker worked as an entertainer, and with a 1970s comedy disco-dancing revival show called "Disco Inferno", which toured the north of England. 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. Its another great place to base yourself for a night or two. Baker and his crew were actually unable to stay at the farm themselves during the Coronavirus pandemic, due to lockdown restrictions. ", BBC Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber is married to Eastenders actress. By sharing pictures and videos online, the presenter has given fans a glimpse inside his beautiful countryside farm. Matt's. Its rough country; its not manicured. Such a genuine family and all the lovely four-legged friends as well. Channel 5 Our Yorkshire Farm: Who will run Ravenseat Farm when Amanda and Clive Owen leave? The first season of Matt Baker: Our Farm In The Dales, filmed on the family's organic sheep farm, was More4's biggest commission to date, Channel 4 has said. Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Daleswas commissioned by Channel 4s Deputy Head of Formats & Features Sean Doyle. [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. For the latest County Durham news direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter Jamie Bamber plays Archie Hughes in Beyond Paradise on BBC One.