Matt Baker has revealed he is launching a new BBC show that will pit him against the likes of Alison Hammond and Pete Wicks.
The 48-year-old presenter is best know for hosting shows like Countryfile, Blue Peter and The One Show, which he left in 2020.
Now, the broadcaster is embarking on his first solo show, where he explores the pivotal role that working dogs play in people’s lives.
In Matt Baker: Life With Dogs, Baker will examine the roles these “hero” dogs provide for humans, from working farm dogs and therapy dogs to assistance dogs for those with disabilities and service dogs that work with the police and military.
The daytime show, made by his own TV company, Big Circus Media, will rival Hammond's For The Love of Dogs on ITV and Wicks’ For Dog's Sake on Channel 4.
Discussing the new show, Baker joked to the Express: "This was all about me basically getting my professional dog training qualifications.”
He added: "Dogs have been a massive part of my life all my life. I started out with a Saint Bernard, my first-ever dog, and I've had 20 or so dogs in my life. I just felt like I'm at the point in my life where I'm ready to try and help others who have a similar relationship with their dogs that I've had with mine.
"I've had a wealth of experience anyway, and it just felt right that I get professionally qualified. I mentioned it to the BBC, and they were very excited about covering it. So we've coupled my dog training with hero dogs and all the other wonderful dogs out there."
Baker went on: "We cover an enormous amount, and any dog lover out there is gonna love this show. Not only are we celebrating what dogs can offer us as humans, but they'll also get some great dog training tips along the way."
The TV star revealed the heartwarming series is currently being filmed and will likely launch later this summer.
His new sheepdog puppy Ted will also feature on the show.
Baker bought Ted after the devastating death of his beloved sheepdog Bob at the Hertfordshire farm he shares with his wife, their two kids and chickens and sheep.
The broadcaster opened up last week about losing Bob, telling the Radio Times it “took a lot to get over”.
“He’d been with me for the major moments in my life, so it was tough when he wasn’t,” Baker said.
“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.”
While Bob passed in 2025, Baker only announced the death in May of this year, as he’d been too “incredibly sad” to share the news at the time.
In an Instagram Reel featuring the dog – who had been a long-term fixture on Baker’s social media – he explained that Bob had been “gone for a while”.
“It’s with a very heavy heart that I’m letting you know our wonderful Bob is no longer with us,” Baker wrote. “It’s broken my heart but I feel hugely grateful to have had him in our lives and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he’s taught me and brought to our family.”
Dogs weren’t just a ”constant presence” in Baker’s childhood, but something that followed him into his early career on Blue Peter.
Baker joined the long-running kids’ TV series in 1999, with border collie Meg by his side during his seven years on the show.
