Matt Baker shocked BBC One viewers last night as he revealed he’s decided to quit his presenting role on The One Show following nine years on the sofa. At the end of the episode, the Countryfile star became teary as he made the announcement and thanked everyone for their support on the show over the last decade.
Following the surprise move, Stacey Dooley, who has been a guest presenter on the show on previous occasions, stepping in for Alex Jones who is on maternity leave, sent a touching message to Matt.
The Strictly Come Dancing champion credited the presenter for being “kind and inclusive” towards her.
Responding to a tweet on The One Show’s account which posted the video of Matt’s announcement, Stacey said: “Matt!…,” alongside a love heart emoji.
“I will never forget how kind and inclusive you were with me,” she praised. “Big love.”
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BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host, Zoe Ball, also sent some love to Matt and called him a “true inspiration”.
Responding to his emotional statement, the It Takes Two presenter said: “Matt Baker you are a proper gentleman, a brilliant broadcaster and a true inspiration. All the feels watching this.”
Jeremy Vine re-shared an old video of the time Matt asking then Prime Minister David Cameron how he sleeps at night when they were interviewing him on the sofa.
The Channel 5 host said: “Can’t believe @BBCTheOneShow without Matt Baker! This was one of the greatest questions.”
Angela Scanlon who has sat beside Matt many times to present the show with him, wrote on Twitter: “Can’t quite believe this. Matt Baker is the heart of The One Show.
“He is one of life’s GOOD eggs. I first sat on that sofa feeling completely out of my depth! He has always been generous & kind & will be so, so missed. On and up my friend x.”
On The One Show, Matt began his emotional speech: “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 big hearted you, our One Show viewers, really are.
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Matt went on to praise viewers’ support for Children in Need, where he has helped raise tens of millions of pounds for the charity with the Rickshaw challenge.
“It’s something I get to witness every year. You help to change the lives of so many vulnerable youngsters for Children In Need. All that support you show us, you will never really understand how much that means to me.”
The BBC favourite also thanked his co-host Alex Jones, who is returning to the sofa in January after giving birth to her second son in May.
Crediting everyone who works on The One Show, Matt added: “I’m going to miss you all and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
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Matt Baker leaves The One Show viewers in tears as he announces exit
Matt said he’s not leaving the BBC for good as he’s still going to be a part of Countryfile and will continue his work on the Olympics where he presents the gymnastic coverage.
Speaking about his future, he said: “I’m continuing with Countryfile and BBC Sport and excited about other opportunities that come my way.
“But, most of all, I’m looking forward to having dinner with my family and being able to put my kids to bed.”
The One Show airs weekdays on BBC One at 7pm.
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