Matt Baker, known for presenting Countryfile, has shared an emotional experience from recording his new podcast, Matt Baker’s Petcast. The podcast, which invites celebrity guests to his caravan, centres on heartfelt conversations about their cherished animals and the significant roles they’ve played in their lives.
During a particularly moving episode, comedian Susan Calman recounted her experience of having to put down her cats during the pandemic and being unable to accompany them into the vet’s room, an account that left Matt and his production team in tears.
“Susan Calman had us all in tears when she talked about having her cats put down during the pandemic and not being allowed into the vet’s room – it was really emotional,” Matt recalled.
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However, Susan soon lifted the mood with her characteristic humour, revealing that she assigns a musical introduction for each of her cats, performing a West-End style song whenever they walk through the door. Matt described this moment as “hilarious,” bringing some much-needed lightness to the recording.
The 48-year-old Countryfile host has also welcomed other notable guests such as Clare Balding, Bill Bailey, and David and Frankie Seaman to the podcast. Matt highlighted the show’s unique appeal, noting how it allows people to share a different, more personal side of themselves through their stories about pets.
Recently, Matt endured the heartbreaking loss of his beloved border collie, Bob. In May, he expressed his grief on Instagram, paying tribute to Bob as a “brilliant dog” and a source of companionship through many important moments in his life, including raising his children and managing his family farm.
Despite Bob’s passing toward the end of last year, Matt had kept the news private at the time, finding it too difficult to cope with the loss and the public’s supportive responses simultaneously. “I didn’t feel I could talk about it publicly because I found it really difficult,” he explained.
Matt has since welcomed a new border collie, Ted, into his family. Sharing updates about Ted with his followers, he received an outpouring of affection and well-wishes. Comments included sentiments such as “Ted Baker, he’s going to be a class act” and heartfelt messages hoping Ted will bring happiness and healing to the household.
Through both joyful and sorrowful moments, Matt Baker’s connection to his pets and his openness about those relationships continue to resonate with audiences across his podcast and beyond.