Matt Baker's secret gymnastics past, 'famous' parents and life on the farm

Matt Baker's broadcasting career has moved seamlessly from children's TV to primetime BBC One and cosy Sunday night hits - spanning everything from Blue Peter to The One Show and Countryfile and even an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

The star has also been able to share his passions for gymnastics and rural affairs with viewers. Cameras followed as he made the switch from suburban living to farm life, returning home to help his parents run the 100-acre family farm.

Viewers may also have seen him fronting royal wedding TVcoverage, working as an Olympics correspondent and presenting wildlife show Wild Alaska Live.

Read on to find out all about the multi-talented star's life and career.

Matt was born on December 23, 1977 in Easington, County Durham. He grew up on the family sheep farm with mum Janice, father Mike and sister Samantha. His early years were spent "learning the trade" on the farm - meaning he knows what he's talking about when it comes to rural affairs on Countryfile.

He attended Easington Village School before going on to Belmont Comprehensive in Durham and then went on to Durham Sixth Form Centre to do A-levels in biology, sports science and drama. He's said he loved taking part in college productions and his first role was as T-Bird in Grease.

He decided to study drama and went to Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, but dropped out halfway through the course after winning a role on Blue Peter in 1999. He said: "I couldn’t believe it, and it set me on the path I’m on now."

Matt was a talented gymnast while growing up, telling BBC Sport: "I used to bounce around all over the place, I would be climbing trees, I would be literally just be grappling up anything so gymnastics was just a natural thing.