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THE GREAT BRITISH BAKER

Who is Countryfile presenter Matt Baker?

His next job was presenting Countryfile, which he still does today

MATT Baker has been a staple of teatime telly ever since he landed the job as a Blue Peter presenter.

He is now back on the box hosting Countryfile.

 Matt Baker is known for hosting Countryfile
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Matt Baker is known for hosting CountryfileCredit: BBC

Who is Matt Baker?

He was born Matthew James Baker in Easington, County Durham on December 23, 1977.

The 44-year-old was educated in the town until he was 10 when his parents bought a farm west of Durham and they moved.

Matt was a British junior gymnast and sports acrobatics champion but had to give it all up when he was 14 after he was diagnosed with anaemia.

He studied drama at Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh and as a student worked as an entertainer.

He was part of a comedy disco-dancing revival show called Disco Inferno who were popular in nightclubs in the north of England.

Why did Matt Baker quit The One Show

On December 4, 2019, Matt Baker revealed he had quit The One Show after nine years at the show's helm.

He said he's looking forward to "putting his kids to bed" after presenting the weekday evening chat show with Alex Jones.

He told viewers: "At this time of year, I like to take stock and reflect. The One Show has been a massive part of my life for almost a decade now and I have loved every second of being a part of it. But I am going to be leaving this green sofa in the spring. It's time to give someone else the opportunity to see how bighearted you, our One Show viewers, really are."

Matt then officially left the show on March 31, 2020.

What other shows has Matt Baker done?

Back in 2009 Matt joined the Countryfile team, first as a presenter for Countryfile Summer Diaries on weekday mornings on BBC One before co-presenting the evening show.

He also hosted the first series of Secret Britain with Julia Bradbury and One Man And His Dog with Kate Humble.

He then joined The One Show as a guest presenter from May to August 2010 standing in for Jason Manford. He took over as a permanent co-host with Alex Jones.

He also regularly commentates on gymnastics events for the BBC.

During his third year at university, Matt’s aunt noticed that Blue Peter was looking for a new presenter.

Matt put a show reel together and went to London for an audition, got the job and made his first appearance on the show on June 25, 1999.

 Matt Baker started his TV career on Blue Peter
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Matt Baker started his TV career on Blue PeterCredit: PA:Press Association

He worked with Konnie Huq, Zoe Salmon and Gethin Jones and won two Baftas for Best Children's Presenter two years in a row as well as a Royal Television Society award.

He left the show at the end of the 2005-2006 series.

Back in 2009 Matt joined the Countryfile team, first as a presenter for Countryfile Summer Diaries on weekday mornings on BBC One before co-presenting the evening show.

He also hosted the first series of Secret Britain with Julia Bradbury and One Man And His Dog with Kate Humble.

He then joined The One Show as a guest presenter from May to August 2010 standing in for Jason Manford. He took over as a permanent co-host with Alex Jones.

He also regularly commentates on gymnastics events for the BBC.

Who is Matt Baker's wife?

Matt is married to physiotherapist Nicola Mooney - his childhood sweetheart.

Nicola and Matt met while they were at school and have now been married for 15 years after exchanging vows back in 2004.

The couple have two children together, son Luke and daughter Molly, and live just outside London.

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