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.
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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.
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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!”
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…
#countryfile Poor Ellie’s pushing on Matt Bakers still in Bed !
— lance smith (@LanceLancej) March 18, 2018
Matt Baker pulling a sicky <3 #countryfile
— Ariadne Griffin (@Ariadne_Griffin) March 18, 2018
Matt Baker can’t get to work so will forfeit a day’s pay. Works out about £328,000 #Countryfile
— Andrew Booton (@AndrewBooton) March 18, 2018
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.
Someone on #500,000 a year, Matt bloody Baker can’t turn up for work? Sack him. #countryfile
— tony3 (@calder_anthony) March 18, 2018
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.
The bad weather has robbed Matt Baker of the energy to shave. #countryfile
— Mary Wood (@marywood59) March 18, 2018
Countryfile is on BBC One, Sundays at 7pm.
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