Latest news with #Countryfile
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Matt Baker climbs pylon in Vale of Glamorgan for new show
Matt Baker, best known for presenting Countryfile and Blue Peter, scaled the structure near Aberthaw as part of the final episode of his More4 series, Matt Baker's British Isles. The episode, which aired on Tuesday, June 24, featured Mr Baker working alongside National Grid engineers as they carried out essential upgrades to transmission pylons on the South Wales coast. Gareth Davies, an overhead line engineer who mentored Mr Baker during the climb, said: "It was great to show Matt how our overhead lines teams operate, and talk him through what's involved. "We're proud of the work we do to keep power flowing safely around Wales and beyond, and hopefully, viewers of the show will be interested to learn what we do and how we do it. "We're always looking to bring in new talent to our overhead lines teams across the country. "Hopefully, this will encourage people to look to these roles as a career. "It's rewarding work, and there aren't many offices with such a good view." Before the climb, Mr Baker completed safety training at National Grid's centre in Eakring, Nottinghamshire, and a familiarisation climb on a de-energised pylon. He then joined the team in South Wales to observe the replacement of ceramic insulators with lighter polymeric versions. The upgrade work forms part of National Grid's wider investment plans. The company is planning to invest £35 billion in its transmission network across Wales and England between 2026 and 2031. The investment aims to support growing demand from data centres, gigafactories, and new electricity generation sources such as wind and solar. The National Grid team has since completed upgrades along the full route from Aberthaw to Cilfynydd substation, helping to futureproof the energy network in the region.
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Countryfile's Matt Baker speaks out on 'time apart' from wife for new career
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 'Countryfile' star Matt Baker and his wife Nicola have opened up about their time apart as she dives into her burgeoning writing career. Famed for their Channel 4 series, Our Farm in The Dales, the couple have won the hearts of many as they run a sheep farm on the idyllic Durham hillsides, where Matt grew up. While Nicola has spent years focusing on physiotherapy and raising two children, she's also been quietly nurturing her talent for writing. What began as a hobby is now a serious vocation with Nicola having penned three children's novels and more on the horizon. READ MORE - Coronation Street star died on benefits as 'virtual recluse' after acting career READ MORE - Nocturnal habit that could be an early warning sign of stroke or heart failure With Matt's ongoing television engagements, this hard-working pair shared insights into their respective paths during an intimate conversation on Lorraine Kelly's sofa. During the chat, Lorraine touched on their separate pursuits asking: "You go off doing your own thing writing the books, and you go off doing your own things around Britain, so there are times where you are apart. But don't you think sometimes that works?", reports the Mirror. Matt reflected on their individual freedoms, affirming: "We're such doers in our lives, and we're so supportive of what each other wants to do, we've just found our way through." In the midst of their hectic lives, Nicola spoke about valuing their shared moments: "We make the most of the time that we have together and prioritise that - and make the most of that." The pair, who stumbled upon each other serendipitously when Matt was performing at a Cleethorpes disco, have since celebrated over 20 years of marriage, watched their children Molly and Luke grow, and felt their connection deepen. (Image: Getty Images) (Image:) (Image: ITV) Nicola dipped her toes into the world of children's literature with her debut, A Whistledown Farm Adventure: Finding Hope, launching in February last year, followed by the successful releases of Rescuing Ruby and Meeting Meg, and she teases another title due out this year. Meanwhile, Matt prepares to grace television screens once more today, joining Sammi Kinghorn on Countryfile as they take viewers through the picturesque landscapes of East Devon. Countryfile enthusiasts can also anticipate Adam Henson's return, as he lovingly tends to the newest additions to his livestock in the Cotswolds countryside. Tune in to Countryfile this Sunday afternoon on BBC One at the special time of 5.25pm – it's an episode you won't want to miss.
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Prince William's new attitude to Harry feud revealed as he marks 'new milestone'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It's no secret that the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry remains frosty. The once close-knit brothers have seen their bond strained since Harry and Meghan chose to abandon their roles as working royals in the UK and start anew in America. The numerous public statements made by the couple about their experiences within the monarchy, coupled with the allegations they've levelled against other high-ranking royals and their staff, have only served to widen the existing rift between the siblings. READ MORE - Countryfile's Matt Baker speaks out on 'time apart' from wife for new career READ MORE - Nocturnal habit that could be an early warning sign of stroke or heart failure Prince William, known for his private nature, is marking his 43rd birthday, bidding farewell to what he has described as a "brutal" year, one of the "hardest" he has ever faced. With both his father, King Charles, and his wife, Kate Middleton, undergoing cancer treatment, William has had to navigate a delicate balancing act: providing support to his family behind closed doors, while still fulfilling as many of his Royal duties as possible during this period of personal difficulty, all under the intense scrutiny that comes with being a member of the Windsor clan, reports the Mirror. A source disclosed to The Sunday Times that as William turns 43, these trials aren't the only things he's leaving behind - he's also learned to release his "anger" towards his younger brother. Following the publication of Prince Harry's explosive memoir 'Spare', in which he accused his elder brother of physically attacking him at Kensington Palace in 2019 during a disagreement over Meghan, friends reported that Prince William was seething with anger over the book, which set new sales records. However, more than two years after the release of 'Spare', the situation has drastically changed, according to a close friend. "What has struck me the most recently is that he just doesn't mention it at all," the source was quoted as saying. 'It used to be that the family stuff was taking up a lot of space in his head, it was a very close relationship and he was very upset. But he's not letting it get to him at all anymore. It is a change. It's sad, but it's a much healthier space for him to be at. "Prince Harry recently made a public plea for reconciliation with his family, admitting that his father Charles "won't speak" to him due to a dispute with the Home Office over the removal of his automatic police an interview with the BBC, the Duke of Sussex also stated that he doesn't "know how much longer my father has" and acknowledged that he knew "some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things. " Recent claims suggest Meghan and Harry are keen for their youngsters, six year old Prince Archie and four year old Princess Lilibet, to bear the 'HRH' title. Reported by the Sunday Times, such aspirations have left Royal insiders bewildered. Despite the Sussexes' wish to provide their offspring with the option of becoming working royals, it's implied that "under the next reign, roles for Archie and Lili as working royals are unlikely. ".
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Matt Baker opens up on being 'apart' from wife as he issues family update
Countryfile's Matt Baker and his wife Nicola have been together for over two decades and have recently seen their careers go in different directions 'Countryfile' favourite Matt Baker and his wife Nicola have opened up about spending time apart as she embarks on an exciting new chapter away from their farm, chasing after a career in writing. In recent years, the couple have captured viewers' hearts on their hit Channel 4 series, Our Farm in The Dales, where the ex-Blue Peter presenter and his wife can be seen managing a sheep farm in the picturesque Durham hillside, close to where Matt was raised. Although Nicola's career has primarily revolved around her physiotherapy work and bringing up their two kids, she's also indulged in penning stories over the years. What was once just a pastime has blossomed into a full-fledged career, with Nicola now boasting three children's novels to her name and even more in the pipeline. With Matt juggling his own telly commitments, the two recently discussed their individual ventures during their chat on Lorraine's couch. Lorraine probed: "You go off doing your own thing writing the books, and you go off doing your own things around Britain, so there are times where you are apart. But don't you think sometimes that works?" Matt shared his take on their newfound independence, expressing: "We're such doers in our lives, and we're so supportive of what each other wants to do, we've just found our way through." Amid their busy schedules, Nicola revealed that their limited time together has become even more precious: "We make the most of the time that we have together and prioritise that — and make the most of that." The lovebirds met by happy accident when Matt was a performer at a disco in Cleethorpes, culminating in a beautiful wedding over two decades ago. Now parents to Molly and Luke, they've witnessed their bond only grow stronger with time. In her literary endeavours, Nicola released her first children's book, A Whistledown Farm Adventure: Finding Hope, in February last year and has since seen two more of her novels — Rescuing Ruby and Meeting Meg — appear on shelves, with another title anticipated later this year. While Nicola gives us a peek into her world with Matt, he himself is gearing up for a return to the telly later today, joining forces with Sammi Kinghorn to explore East Devon on the latest instalment of Countryfile. Additionally, fans of the bucolic show can look forward to Adam Henson's comeback, as he cares for the newborn livestock on his farm in the Cotswolds. Be sure not to miss Countryfile, which airs this afternoon (Sunday, June 22) on BBC One at 5.25pm.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Julia Bradbury, 53, takes a 'healing' dip in the ocean as she discusses the importance of finding purpose while battling cancer in emotional post
Julia Bradbury has opened up on how healing emotionally can be crucial during a battle against cancer. The Countryfile presenter, 53, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 before undergoing a mastectomy to have her 6cm tumour removed. Julia has been candid about how cancer changed her as a person, saying that the disease actually 'saved her life' after she became 'stressed all the time' due to work. On Saturday, the mother-of-three has now taken to her Instagram to detail how emotions can affect your health as she discussed the toll of the disease. Sharing a video of herself enjoying a wetsuit-clad cold dip in the ocean, Julia spoke about the importance of having a purpose while fighting the disease. She wrote: 'What if one of the most powerful parts of your healing… isn't 'medical', it's emotional. And it's inside you. 'In the journey through cancer I've met some incredible people & learnt a lot about a whole person approach to recovery and healing. 'Yesterday at @ipmcongress (a conference all about a personalised approach to health and treatments) I interviewed @joembracingnutrition about her approach to cancer patients. 'She calls it a 360 approach and it includes monitoring bloods, testing, targeted treatment of the cancer itself (working alongside an oncologist) but very importantly it addresses emotional issues too. 'We all have them. And most of us lead stressful lives (phones/emails/work pressures/family commitments/travel to work/shift work/lack of sleep!).' She went on to discuss the characteristics of cancer patients who manage to survive the disease 'against all the odds'. Julia continued: 'A strong reason for living — maybe it's your children, a dream not yet lived, or the simple joy of a sunrise. 'Releasing old, suppressed emotions — letting go of pain you've held for too long. 'Promoting positive emotions — finding joy, laughter, even in dark places. Sharing a video of herself enjoying a wetsuit-clad cold dip in the ocean, Julia spoke about the importance of having a purpose while fighting the disease 'I try not to forget the importance of emotions when it comes to health. It takes work and it can be uncomfortable to explore.. but healing isn't just what's done to you… it's what awakens inside you too.' Julia has been open about her experience with cancer since her 2021 diagnosis. Just a matter of weeks ago, she proudly shared her surgery scars which remain following her mastectomy. Coupled with a close up shot of her lower breast, the journalist called the scars a sign of 'resilience'. 'Just like those vessels, our scars - emotional or physical - are not flaws to be concealed,' she shared. They are stories of resilience, growth and transformation. Each mark is a testament to our journey and strength,' she wrote. Julia also candidly spoke about the moment she told her husband, Gerard Cunningham, that she had cancer around four years ago. Appearing on Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast, she said: 'I told him, and we cried. And I said, 'I'll do whatever I have to do to get through this. I will do whatever it is'.' Determined to fight, she expressed her readiness to face any challenge that may pop up ahead. 'If I have to lose a breast, I'll have to lose my hair. If I have to go, whatever it is I need to do,' she said. 'I'm going to do what I need to do to get through this.' Julia said fighting cancer is not the same for everyone. She explained: 'Every type of cancer is different. Every type of breast cancer is different. 'You'll have a friend who's gone through breast cancer, and she and I will sit down and have a story, and we'll have had a different tumour in a different place, and it will behave differently. 'It's very complicated. And that's the reason why the war on cancer hasn't been won yet.' Julia shares her son Zephyr, 13, and her twin girls, Xanthe and Zena, eight, with her property developer husband, Gerard. In 2023, she spoke about her determination to 'stay alive' two years on from her breast cancer diagnosis. The journalist and TV presenter had the tumour, two lymph glands and her left breast removed before having reconstruction surgery. Julia has since revealed how her diagnosis changed her life, leading her to adopt a much healthier diet and go teetotal as she declared she will do everything possible to see her children grow up.
