Matt Baker has opened up about embracing a “double life” following a significant family move that plunged him deeper into farming. The Countryfile presenter and host of Our Dream Farm now divides his time between television and hands-on farm life in the tranquil Durham countryside, where he lives with his wife Nicola and their children, Luke and Molly.
Stepping away from BBC’s The One Show in 2019 to pursue his passion for agricultural programming, Matt’s final appearance came in 2020, marking a turning point toward a lifestyle closely connected to his farming roots. The family’s relocation to his ancestral farm has been a fulfilling choice that aligns perfectly with his creative ambitions.
In an interview with Total TV Guide, Matt described his rural existence with enthusiasm, highlighting how the changing seasons and the rhythm of nature have profoundly influenced him. “The countryside has made me who I am. I love the pace of nature; how the seasons change, and it’s really important. I am immersed in farming. I live a double life, actually! When I’m not on telly, I’m out in the fields,” he shared.
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Matt expressed pride in the farming world and underlined his desire to create shows that celebrate rural life. Despite his dyslexia, which affects his reading, his love for animals and country life fuels his creativity. He also emphasized how vital his family support is in balancing the demands of his television career with the challenges of running a farm—calling it a “testament to a strong family.”
Growing up on a family farm surrounded by livestock, Matt appreciated the unique experience of working alongside loved ones. He noted that few industries offer such opportunities to build strong family bonds through work.
Looking ahead to the upcoming series of Our Dream Farm, Matt revealed that seven contestants will compete for tenancy of a 600-acre National Trust property in Eryri, North Wales. He described the farm as “the most nature-rich farm the National Trust has in Wales,” and the competition as an intense but practical job interview. Contestants come from diverse backgrounds, including builders, experienced farmers, and even a mother-and-son duo.