Matt Baker, the well-known presenter of Countryfile, has spoken openly about his experiences living with ADHD and dyslexia. Over the years, Baker has embraced his neurodivergent traits, even describing them as a “superpower.”
The broadcaster has also reflected on the special bond he has shared with animals throughout his life. Following the recent loss of his beloved border collie, Bob, Baker revealed how his pets have been important companions. In an interview with Radio Times, he said, “I have ADHD and dyslexia, but when I was younger I was known as a sort of hyperactive child and, for me, pets were my companions on adventures, running around outside and doing stuff. They were a constant presence.”
When asked if these animals served a similar role to therapy dogs before that idea became popular, he agreed. “Yes, as it turns out, and continue to do so.”
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Baker has also been candid about the challenges dyslexia has presented in his career. Speaking to The Yorkshire Post in 2022, he shared, “The scariest thing someone can do to me is hand me an email on live television and ask me to read it out. It does something to me. It’s absolutely petrifying.”
He explained how he processes written words differently: “Whatever I read, I learn. I block it all out in ways which means I can recognise sentences. We [people with dyslexia] recognise words but we don’t read them as such. It’s like flash cards all the time. If you see something, you say what you think it is and then you dig yourself out of it if you’re wrong.”
Script meetings have also been difficult. “Script meetings were horrible for me, where somebody wants to sit down and read a script – that was awful. I’d get in and read ahead of time and make suggestions from that.”
To cope with reading on screen, Baker uses a special font called Dyslexie, designed to prevent words from jumping on the line. He said, “With autocue, I found a font called Dyslexie, which stops the words from jumping on the line and we got it put on the autocue. I always get my autocue spaced out, so that I can see the phrase and I say what I think it says. It’s as hard for the autocue operator as it is for me.”
Countryfile airs on Sundays at 7pm on BBC One and is also available on iPlayer.