Renowned TV personality Matt Baker has candidly admitted to finding it tough to relinquish control on his farming television series. The 47-year-old, who stars in and produces Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker, shared the internal struggle he faced while overseeing the documentary show’s contestants.
The eight-part series follows seven applicants vying for a farm tenancy at Llyndy Isaf, a 600-acre farm in Eryri, North Wales. Participants present their business plans, articulate their vision for the farm, and engage in authentic farm tasks and experiences.
In an interview with BBC Essex, the Countryfile star confessed, “It’s hard not to get involved, but it’s their selection process. I’m not taking on the tenancy, so it was hard for me to step back. I joined in when I needed to. Sometimes I was lambing at two in the morning. It was great, and I love it. I’m really proud of it. That’s the reality of living there. It’s a window into a world, not just for TV’s entertainment; this is real-world stuff. Thankfully, we’re giving them all a chance to show what they are worth so hopefully, they get chosen.”
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Emphasizing the authenticity of the show, Matt, known for his early career on Blue Peter, acknowledged that the series is a passion project aimed at highlighting the challenges faced by UK farmers. “I’m passionate about putting farming front and center. I want to open eyes to how you do have to be a Jack of all trades and how challenging it can be. Educating and awareness is so important. Presenting it is one thing, but actually producing it, editing it, creating it, and doing all that kind of stuff is another. It’s a passion project of mine, and I just want them to do as well as they can do.”
Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker returns for the fifth episode of the second series today (Saturday, April 12) at 6pm on Channel 4.