Matt Baker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matt Baker
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Matt Baker presenting the BBC's coverage of Crufts 2008
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| Born |
Matthew James Baker
23 December 1977 Easington, County Durham, England
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| Alma mater | Queen Margaret University |
| Occupation | Television presenter |
| Years active | 1999-present |
| Television | Blue Peter Countryfile The One Show The Gift Big Blue Live Wild Alaska Live The Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge |
| Spouse(s) |
Nicola Mooney
(m. 2004) |
| Children | 2 |
Matt Baker, born Matthew James Baker on December 23, 1977, is a famous British TV presenter. He is known for hosting popular shows like Blue Peter, Countryfile, and The One Show. Matt is also recognized for his amazing gymnastics skills and his charity work.
Contents
Early Life and Talents
Matt Baker grew up in Easington, County Durham, England. His parents had a small farm, which they later moved to and fixed up when Matt was 10. From a young age, Matt loved to dance. He also became a very good gymnast while he was at school.
He went to Belmont Comprehensive School in Durham. Sadly, he had to stop gymnastics at age 14 because he was diagnosed with anaemia. After school, Matt studied drama at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. Before becoming a TV star, he even worked as an entertainer in a disco-dancing show!
Matt's TV Journey
Matt Baker wanted to be a physiotherapist at first. But after acting in a school play, he decided to try drama school. While studying, his future wife's aunt saw that Blue Peter was looking for a new presenter.
Becoming a Blue Peter Star
Matt quickly put together a video of himself on his farm. He showed off his skills, like riding a unicycle. He was invited for an interview and joined Blue Peter on June 25, 1999. His gymnastics background helped him with many challenges on the show. He even trained as a stuntman!
During his seven years on Blue Peter, Matt worked with other presenters like Konnie Huq. He won two BAFTA awards for Best Children's Presenter. He also received a Royal Television Society award. Matt left Blue Peter in 2006, and his dog, Meg, left with him.
Exploring the Countryside with Countryfile
After Blue Peter, Matt continued his TV career. He presented shows like Countryfile Summer Diaries and Animal Rescue Squad. Since 2009, he has been a co-presenter on BBC One's Countryfile. This show explores the British countryside.
In 2010, Matt also co-presented Secret Britain with Julia Bradbury. He is well-known for his love of farming and rural life.
Hosting The One Show
From 2010, Matt was a guest presenter on BBC One's The One Show. He later became a permanent co-host. He presented the show with Alex Jones from Monday to Thursday.
On December 4, 2019, Matt announced he would be leaving The One Show. He thanked everyone for their support, especially for the money raised during his Rickshaw Challenges. His last show was on March 31, 2020. He presented it from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other Exciting TV Work
Matt has done many other interesting TV jobs. In 2007 and 2008, he co-presented coverage of Crufts, a famous dog show. He also helped host the London 2012 party for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Matt is a gymnastics expert. He has commentated on gymnastics events for the BBC. This includes the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He also covered the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and the Paris 2024 Olympics. He has also commentated on World, European, and Commonwealth Games gymnastics.
Matt is also known for his charity work. In 2009, he took part in Around the World in 80 Days for Children in Need. In 2011, he rode a bicycle pulling a rickshaw 484 miles. This challenge raised over £1.5 million for charity!
He co-hosted The Gift in 2015. He also presented Big Blue Live and Wild Alaska Live. These shows focused on amazing marine wildlife.
Dancing on Strictly Come Dancing
In 2010, Matt Baker competed in Strictly Come Dancing. He was partnered with professional dancer Aliona Vilani. They danced their way to second place in the final!
Matt and Aliona also joined the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in 2011. They performed in many shows across Britain and Ireland. They won many of their performances.
- Some of Matt's Dances
| Week | Dance/song | Total Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha-Cha-Cha / Ain't No Mountain High Enough | 31 | N/A |
| 2 | Foxtrot / She Said | 31 | Safe |
| 3 | Quickstep / Dreaming of You | 31 | Safe |
| 4 | Charleston / Forty-Second Street | 35 | Safe |
| 5 | Argentine Tango / Bat Out of Hell | 34 | Safe |
| 6 | Viennese Waltz / Where the Wild Roses Grow | 35 | Safe |
| 7 | Rumba / Too Lost in You | 35 | Safe |
| 8 | Samba / Young Hearts Run Free | 38 | Safe |
| 9 | American Smooth / Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down | 33 | Safe |
| 10 | Jive / Soul Bossa Nova | 35 | Safe |
| 11 | Salsa / Spinning Around | 28 | Safe |
| 11 | Tango / Hung Up | 38 | Safe |
| 12 | Samba / Young Hearts Run Free | 38 | Second place |
| 12 | Showdance / I Like The Way (You Move) | 34 | Second place |
| 12 | Paso Doble / Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood | 35 | Second place |
| 12 | Viennese Waltz / Where the Wild Roses Grow | 37 | Second place |
Acting Roles
Matt has also tried acting. In 2002, he played himself in the BBC drama Cutting It. He also appeared briefly as himself in an episode of Doctor Who in 2005. In 2006, he played Dick from The Famous Five in The Queen's Handbag.
In 2008, Matt returned to his home region. He played the role of Caractacus Potts in the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Personal Life and Achievements
Matt Baker is married to Nicola Mooney, a physiotherapist. They met when Matt was performing in a disco show. They got married in 2004 and have a son and a daughter. They live in Buckinghamshire.
In 2022, Matt was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This honor was for his amazing charity and fundraising work.
Charity Work
Matt is very involved in charity. In 2011, he became the president of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. He is also president for Here4Horses, a charity that helps horses.
Awards and Recognition
Matt Baker is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Durham University in January 2025. This is a special award for his contributions.
Images for kids
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Matt Baker presenting the BBC's coverage of Crufts 2008
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Matt Baker filming Countryfile at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire
See also
- List of Blue Peter presenters
- List of Strictly Come Dancing contestants
