This weekend's episode of Countryfile wasn't quite the wholesome Sunday night viewing viewers may have anticipated with both the host and those tuning in being left in tears.
It was a lambing special on the BBC show and while Adam Henson gave an insight into his lambing shed with the farmer preparing to welcome a number of new arrivals onto the farm, Anita Rani helped 15-year-old shepherd, Katie, to deliver the lambs on their farm in Cumbria.
But with things going well and Anita helping to bring a number of newborns into the world, things took a turn when Anita and Katie discovered a lamb had been abandoned by its mother. "It's been a busy morning in Cumbria, I've already delivered my first ever lambs," the host started by saying.
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"I saw young shepherdess Katie deal with a very tricky birth and I met the cutest orphan lamb, but plenty more challenges still lie ahead." Then, Katie led Anita to check on the sheep in the field as they needed to see if any had given or were close to giving birth.
Katie explained that usually, they leave the ewes to give birth on their own in the field as they were bred to be outside. However, if there are complications, they will step in to help them. After explaining what they were looking out for, the pair spotted a lamb on its own, running over to see if it was ok.
"I hope I'm not too late," Katie said. "It's quite cold," she added as she picked up the lamb and started swinging it from side to side. Trying her best to revive the lamb, she blew air into its mouth and rubbed its sides. However, it soon became apparent that there wasn't anything Katie could do.
The Shepherdess explained: "I think unfortunately because the mother hasn't licked it, I think it might have died. I'll just keep working on it because sometimes they can come back."
She tried again but Anita began to cry and said: "I'm quite upset," to which Katie replied: "It is upsetting really. Unfortunately we just missed it, but that is just one of the risks when you take lambing outside."
The host continued to sob as they knelt next to the lamb, adding: "I guess it's just nature, isn't it? I am really upset." Anita later commented: "I found that really emotional and that's because it's my first experience but this is like reality for you isn't it."
And viewers were just as distraught. @katesaunders13 tweeted: "Put Countryfile on for a nice bit of Sunday evening cosy vibe and a lamb died."
@PippyG82 said: "Crying at the poor dead baby lamb #Countryfile," as @tomasibray shared: "#countryfile I love CountryFile but thought the lamb section should have been one that was not saved was upsetting - anyone else?"
@SatwantBee wrote: "Just caught #AnitaRani in tears on @BBCOne #Countryfile. She and an amazing 15-year-old shepherdess called Katie were trying to revive a baby lamb, but they couldn't save it or get it breathing again. Yes, I know it's part of nature, but I'm choking back the tears here."
