Matt Baker, widely recognised for his presenting roles on The One Show, Countryfile, and various farming programmes, has recently taken time to reflect on a significant chapter of his career during his time on Blue Peter. The 48-year-old presenter is embarking on an exciting new venture with the launch of his podcast, Petcast, where he invites guests to discuss all things animal-related from his unique Petcast caravan.
Matt’s connection to animals is well known, particularly through his close relationship with Meg, a border collie who accompanied him throughout his seven years on Blue Peter. In an interview with Radio Times Magazine, Matt spoke candidly about the period when he moved to London for the show and felt the absence of having a dog in his life.
“When I moved down to London it was the first time in my life that I’d been without a dog and I felt quite lost,” he explained. “So when I began Blue Peter I realised it would be ideal to get one and have some amazing adventures.”
READ MORE: Unemployment Falls in Forest of Dean Amid Rising Rates Elsewhere in Gloucestershire
He shared how Blue Peter supported this decision, with Meg coming from a neighbour’s farm in Durham. Audiences followed Meg’s journey from her puppyhood to raising her own pups, endearing her to children across the nation.
“Meg came from a neighbour’s farm up in Durham. We covered me rearing her as a puppy to her having pups herself and the nation’s children took her to their hearts.”
Matt described his seven years on Blue Peter as “glorious” and fondly recalled spending Meg’s final years with her on the farm after she passed away in 2011. He emphasised the impact Meg had on children who perhaps couldn’t have a dog themselves, saying, “They saw Meg as theirs and I loved that. It made me really proud.”
After his Blue Peter tenure, Matt joined the Countryfile presenting team in 2014-a role he continues to cherish. Regarding his commitment to the show, he told The Sun, “I’ve no plans to leave Countryfile. I mean you know I’m not on it as much as I used to be but I’m still very much part of that family.”
Between 2011 and 2020, Matt also co-hosted the BBC’s The One Show alongside Alex Jones. Following his departure, he co-founded Big Circus Media with Gareth Collett. Through this production company, he created Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker, an engaging series showcasing the National Trust’s search for a tenant to manage a 600-acre farm in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. The show last aired in 2025, with no confirmation yet on a potential new series.
Alongside his new podcast, Matt is set to present a BBC Two daytime series titled Matt Baker: Life With Dogs, produced by his company. Discussing the project with The Mirror, he expressed his enthusiasm about exploring the special bond between humans and dogs: “Dogs have been a lifelong passion of mine and I’m so excited to be making this series about the bond between humans and dogs.”
He also revealed plans to showcase remarkable canines that enrich human lives through roles such as cancer detection and assistance in communication, calling it “the ultimate show to celebrate our lives with dogs.” Additionally, Matt has acquired professional dog training qualifications to deepen his understanding and connection with the subject matter.
This new chapter in Matt Baker’s career highlights his ongoing dedication to storytelling that celebrates both nature and the special relationships people share with animals, reinforcing his place as a beloved figure in British television.