Television presenter Matt Baker has opened up about the emotional toll of losing his beloved border collie, Bob, admitting the loss took significant time to overcome. For households across GB who have followed Baker's rural journey from Blue Peter to Countryfile, his candid reflections on canine companionship and bereavement hit a deeply relatable note. Speaking in a new interview, the 48-year-old broadcaster shared how the passing of his longtime pet marked a painful transition for his family on their Chilterns farm.
Why This Is Trending
Public interest in the former The One Show host has spiked following an emotional interview with Radio Times, where he detailed his ongoing grief over Bob's death. Although the border collie passed away in 2025, Baker delayed publicly confirming the news until May this year because he found himself too upset to discuss it. The revelation coincided with the launch of his new project, Matt Baker's Petcast, prompting widespread support from pet owners and fans across the country.
What Happened
Baker, who lives on a smallholding in the Chiltern Hills with his wife Nicola and their two children, spoke candidly about how Bob had been present through major milestones in his personal and professional life. The loss left a noticeable void on the farm, which the family shares with livestock, a miniature dachshund named Ivy, and a young border collie called Ted.
He’d been with me for the major moments in my life, so it was tough when he wasn’t. We’re fortunate to have these animals in our lives. Every single one has taught me something and I’m grateful. Grief is the price you pay for love.
What We Know So Far
Baker's relationship with dogs has been a central feature of his public life for decades. Growing up on a farm in County Durham, he trained his first sheepdog at age 13. When he moved to London in 1999 to present Blue Peter, he felt disconnected without an animal companion, leading him to acquire Meg, a border collie from a neighbouring farm in Durham.
Meg accompanied Baker throughout his seven-year stint on Blue Peter until both left the show together. His subsequent television career—including a nine-year run co-hosting The One Show alongside Alex Jones from 2011 to 2020—was continuously balanced with his commitment to rural life. In 2020, Baker stepped back from daily studio presenting, pivoting back toward family farming and producing projects via his company, Big Circus Media.
Why It Matters
For millions of viewers, Baker's open discussion on pet bereavement addresses a subject that affects nearly half of British households. By sharing how hard it was to process the death of a working dog and family companion, Baker highlights the profound psychological bond between humans and animals. His experiences also form the foundation for his expanding slate of factual programming, which explores animal training, welfare, and human-canine connections.
What Happens Next
Alongside his new audio venture, Matt Baker's Petcast, where he interviews guests including Bill Bailey and Martin Clunes about their animals, Baker is set to front Matt Baker: Life With Dogs for BBC Two daytime. The series, produced by Big Circus Media, will follow Baker as he completes his professional dog training qualifications and profiles working canines, including detection and therapy dogs, across Great Britain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog did Matt Baker lose?
Matt Baker lost his border collie, Bob, who passed away in 2025. Baker publicly confirmed the loss in May 2026 after taking time to process his grief.
What is Matt Baker's new show about?
Baker is hosting a podcast called Matt Baker's Petcast and an upcoming BBC Two daytime series titled Matt Baker: Life With Dogs, focusing on human-animal bonds and professional dog training.
Does Matt Baker still present Countryfile?
Yes, Baker remains part of the Countryfile presenting team, having joined the flagship BBC rural series in 2009 after leaving Blue Peter.