Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Alan Johnson

Anita Rani breaks down in tears after abandoned newborn lamb dies on Countryfile

Anita Rani was devastated after a newborn lamb was abandoned by its mother before dying on Sunday's episode of Countryfile - a lambing special.

The presenter, 44, had been assisting a Lake District farmer called Katie deliver just before the tragedy struck.

"I have never done this before, but I'm so excited," enthused former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Anita, as she first walked through fields with farmer Katie looking for sheep showing signs of labour at the beginning of the show.

Soon, however, Katie could be seen in the distance sprinting towards an agitated ewe. As Anita caught up, Katie explained: "They don't realise they've had it, and they run away when the lamb is still in its bubble and its choking.

Anita Rani was devastated after a newborn lamb died on Sunday's Countryfile (BBC)

"It's quite cold. I'm just a bit worried about it," she added.

The farmer then tried in vain to revive the animal adding: "I think unfortunately because the mother hasn't licked it, it might have died. Unfortunately we just missed it."

Host Anita couldn't hide her sadness. "I guess its nature. I wasn't expecting that. I'm really upset," she said as she wiped away tears.

In what was a dramatic episode, attention soon turned to another lamb which was stuck during labour due to it's hind legs coming first rather than its front ones.

Katie told Anita: "What you need to do is pull one leg at a time, and then its head should start to pop out. Here comes the mouth."

The presenter wiped away tears at the discovery (BBC)
The presenter was filming a lambing special (BBC)

Fortunately after a struggle, however, she added: "There it is! Well done. We'll put it in front of the mum and she can start licking it to stimulate it."

Anita, now in a more buoyant mood, added: "I'm feeling exhilarated! That is just the most extraordinary way to start the day.

"I'm just trying to take it all in, my very first lambing experience."

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk o r call us direct 0207 29 33033.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.