Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and his wife, Nicola, have opened up about the challenges and rewards of spending more time apart as Nicola embarks on a new career path away from their farm life.
Fans have enjoyed watching the couple star together in the popular Channel 4 series, Our Farm in The Dales, where they manage a sheep farm in the Durham Hills, close to Matt’s childhood home. While Nicola has balanced her work as a physiotherapist and raising their two children, she has also nurtured a passion for writing over the years.
What began as a hobby has recently blossomed into a full-time career for Nicola. She is now the author of three children’s novels—with more set to be released soon—and is fully embracing this new chapter. Meanwhile, Matt continues his extensive television work.
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During a recent chat on Lorraine, the couple discussed adjusting to their growing solo projects and the time it means they spend apart. Lorraine noted, “You go off doing your own thing writing the books and you go off doing your own things around Britain, so there are times where you are apart. But, don’t you think sometimes that works?”
Matt responded warmly, “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.” Nicola added, “We make the most of the time that we have together and prioritise that.”
The pair’s relationship began over 20 years ago after a chance meeting at a disco in Cleethorpes and has grown into a strong partnership with two children, Molly and Luke. Nicola’s writing career launched with her debut children’s book, A Whistledown Farm Adventure: Finding Hope, last February. Since then, she has published Rescuing Ruby and Meeting Meg, with another novel anticipated later this year.
As Nicola focuses on her writing, Matt is set to return to television screens, joining para-athlete Sammi Kinghorn for an episode of Countryfile filmed in East Devon. Viewers will also see the return of Adam Henson as he cares for young animals on his Cotswolds farm.
Countryfile airs this Sunday, June 22, on BBC One at 5:25 p.m.