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Countryfile viewers irate as Matt Baker fails to show up for show

Reactions on social media were less hospitable than the inclement weather conditions

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Matt Baker was blasted for “pulling a sicky” after bad weather stopped him from presenting last night’s Countryfile – with some viewers going as far as to suggest he should be sacked for missing work.

Ellie Harrison anchored the BBC One Sunday night favourite in Matt’s absence, with Adam Henson and Tom Heap also in presenting roles for segments focusing on the British lamb trade.

But while Ellie made it to Pembrokeshire to look at the effect of recent storms on the coastline, Matt’s battle with the elements proved too much to overcome.

Ellie anchored Countryfile solo with Matt unable to make it through the snow (Credit: BBC)

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During her introductory voiceover, Ellie mentioned Matt would be joining her before she was ‘interrupted’ by a mobile phone ringtone.

Speaking via FaceTime, Matt apologised for not being part of the show due to the inclement weather conditions.

He said: “Due to this crazy, crazy snow, I’m not going to be able to make it to Pembrokeshire, I’m sorry.

Matt FaceTimes Ellie to ask for her help in covering for him (Credit: BBC)

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“The roads are… you just can’t get across to where you are. So unfortunately I’m going to have to sit this one out Ellie.”

The One Show presenter cheekily added: “Will you do my stories for me, please?”

Laughing, Ellie agreed and replied: “You owe me next time!”

Have a shave, Matt (Credit: BBC)

However, some viewers were considerably less understanding.

Responses ranged from those joking Matt probably preferred to stay tucked up in bed rather than be out in the cold to calls for his pay to be docked… although the salary calculations seem to be a little bit off…

And in what we hope is a joke, one viewer went as far to tweet that Matt should be given his P45 for not being able to make it to Wales.

Not everybody was as unreasonable, thankfully. For one viewer, Matt’s most objectionable error was in not trimming his bristles before calling up and asking Ellie to cover for him.

Countryfile is on BBC One, Sundays at 7pm.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer

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