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Longtime Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison has announced she is leaving the BBC show after 13 years.
She cited “raising her three wonderful children” as one of the reasons for the decision, while also echoing fellow broadcaster Helen Skelton, 40, who left Radio 5 Live in August to focus on her family. Had given.
Harrison made his debut on the long-running nature program in 2009 and has lent his talents to a number of other BBC projects including The One Show, The Treasure Hunters and Secret Britain.
Writing in a column for Countryfile magazine, Harrison opened up on her decision to step down, writing: “After 13 years, my final column is a farewell to Countryfile – I will miss the people, places and stories.
“Thirteen and a half years after I arrived four hours early for my first Countryfile shoot, which culminated in me hauling myself up to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to deliver a sandwich of freshly cut mushrooms to Matt Baker, it’s now time for me bid you farewell.
“It’s a decision I’ve made, such is the connection with the program, and will I miss the geography field trips.”
Ellie Harrison has been a familiar face on Countryfile for 13 years
BBC
Harrison delved deeper into the reasons behind his exit, explaining: “I’ve realized that I don’t need to go to a new ocean or even a new sea, but somewhere in these waters A new path needed to be charted – raising my three wonderful children, growing their family business and following their creative calling to produce art of their own making.”
However, she wanted to reassure fans that this won’t be the last time they see her after leaving the BBC show.
“The winds of change are blowing, my hands turn to the tiller and I close my eyes to seek solace from Invictus, ‘I am the master of my destiny, I am the captain of my soul.’ I’ll see you again someday,” she wrote cryptically.
Countryfile fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their sadness at the departure of one of the show’s best-loved presenters.
One fan said on X: “Sad to see you leave Countryfile as I loved you as a presenter but at least now the other presenters (especially Matt) will now be able to dine in peace.
“All the best for the future and your future endeavors and adventures.”
Another said: “Shame #EllieHarrison is leaving, she was my favorite presenter on #Countryfile but when it became so politically biased I stopped watching.”
Harrison will now be able to spend more time at her family home in the Cotswolds with her husband Dr Matt Goodman and their three children Red, 13, Lux, 11, and a seven-year-old, whose name she has not publicly revealed.
Helen Skelton left BBC Radio 5 Live in August
the countryside
The BBC’s list of female presenters suffered the latest blow after Skelton decided to leave the network to focus on her family following her split from ex-husband Richie Myler in April 2022.
Skelton said during the final moments of his last Sunday show on 5 Live: “I’m not OK about it but you know, it’s got to be needed. The juggling is real.
“An eight-year-old needs me… That’s all for me on Sunday for now. Thank you for your company over the past year, I’ve loved every minute of our time together on this show.”
Skelton and Harrison join Ken Bruce, Steve Wright and a number of other stars who have decided to leave the Beeb in recent years.
