John Craven, Jules Hudson, Keeley Donovan and Paul Martin confirmed to present BBC One’s Countryfile Diaries this spring

BBC One Daytime announces the presenting line-up for Countryfile Diaries, a seasonal celebration that will run across five consecutive weekdays to coincide with the Countryfile Spring Special on Sunday,15 May.

Published: 9 March 2016
The British countryside in spring - what better place to launch this new show.
— John Craven

John Craven, who has fronted the BBC’s rural affairs flagship for almost 30 years, will be joined by regular Countryfile presenter Jules Hudson. Completing the team will be BBC Look North weather presenter Keeley Donovan (pictured) and Paul Martin of Flog It! as they offer the viewers a deeper look into country life through the changing seasons.

John Craven says: “The British countryside in spring - what better place to launch this new show. I’ve been with Countryfile for the best part of 30 years and for me this is a really exciting development, hosting a daily diary that brings viewers the best of our countryside at this magical time of year. We have a great team on board and we can’t wait to get started.”

Jules Hudson says: “Spring is one of the most exciting times of year for any outdoor enthusiast and we’re looking forward to showing viewers how the countryside transforms after winter.”

Keeley Donovan says: “Growing up in the Countryside, I’ve always been fascinated by nature, so I’m thrilled to be a part of Countryfile Diaries. In my role as a weather presenter, I can see how climate and weather go hand in hand with seasonal changes, particularly in springtime when a lot happens in a short space of time. I can’t wait to explore these further in this new show.”

This new role doesn’t affect Keeley’s position on BBC Look North. She will continue to present the weather on the programme and occasional reports on BBC Inside Out.

Locations for the show are still being chosen to show the spring at its finest, but they will include Wiltshire, where viewers will see at first-hand how nature unfolds on Paul Martin’s rural small-holding.

Paul Martin says: “For me, the farm bursts into life in the spring with optimism and energy, becoming a hive of activity after the long winter. It's a time for new life, innovation and expectation for the growing season ahead. I can't wait to be part of this unfolding story and to see the effects of this year's extreme weather. I hope we can show the passion farmers have for this challenging yet incredible British industry.”

Bill Lyons, Countryfile’s Executive Editor, says: “Countryfile is Britain’s most popular weekly factual TV show and on air 52 weeks a year, so we constantly see the dramatic difference that the turn of the seasons makes to the landscape, wildlife and working lives of everyone in our countryside. We want to offer BBC Daytime viewers a real chance to celebrate spring with us, and the team of presenters we’ve got are the perfect people to do just that."

Notes to Editors

  • Locations are still to be announced.
  • Countryfile achieved consistently high ratings across 2015, peaking at 9.4 million viewers in February 2016 - its highest ever audience.

NC2

Tagged: