COUNTRYFILE viewers were left disappointed on Sunday night as Matt Baker and Charlotte Smith made a return with a BBC special that viewers branded ‘dull’ and too ‘woke’.
Sunday night’s episode of the BBC factual programme, saw hosts, Matt Baker and Charlotte Smith visit Hadrian’s Wall to mark its 1,900th anniversary.
Matt and Charlotte presented the show from Hadrian’s Wall
Some viewers were unhappy by the lack of farming on the show
The episode revolved around the presenters uncovering hidden histories of the area, but viewers were far from entertained.
Some viewers were not happy with the shake-up, and many branded the episode “dull” because they were hoping to see the programme’s usual agricultural and farming segment.
Many took to social media to question the format change, and to ask where the farming segments were in the show.
As the show started, Charlotte began by announcing “This wall took six years to build.”
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“Now who would have thought that 1,900 years later, it would still be here.”
Matt continued: “And not only is it still standing, but it keeps revealing glimpses into our past.”
“Welcome to Hadrian’s Wall,” Charlotte added.
Matt proceeded to explain: “Hadrian’s Wall takes in some of the most inspiring landscapes in England.”
“Emperor Hadrian built this wall to mark the northernmost extent of his empire, and to keep his enemies out,” his co-star continued.
Matt concluded: “It was more than just the line of defense.
“It was home not just to soldiers, but families and people from the far-flung corners of the world.”
Although the presenters highlighted such a vital part of history, some viewers weren’t too happy with the segment.
Taking to social media to complain, one viewer tweeted: “I think this is one of the dullest episodes of #Countryfile I’ve ever seen. I used to really enjoy this programme but it really seems to have gone downhill in recent months.”
Another pointed out: “#countryfile has now turned into #timeteam.”
Adding: “Woke nonsense #countryfile.”
One fan who was also not impressed with the programme, tweeted: “So #Countryfile now getting into ferry services to the highland islands? Can anyone remember when it used to be about farmers and farming?”
Another angry viewer added: “Still waiting for my farming stories. So far I’ve been fed a Roman history program, poor logistics and finances for a Scottish government ferry service and now, well no idea what this bit is about .”
“They’re now banging on about climate change,” one frustrated viewer added.
Later on in the episode, Charlotte made an amazing discovery at the Roman Fort of Vindolanda, an archaeological excavation site where they unearth the lives of women and children of the past, and she met a chemist trying to chart the changes beneath the surface.
Matt also learned all about the rich multicultural history of soldiers that manned the wall- from Syrian archers to Iraqi bargemen on the Tyne- and met the artist whose brightly coloured art installation has brought a Roman forts history to life.
While Tom Heap investigated why the ageing government-owned Scottish island ferry service was leaving locals feeling cast adrift, and even had a go at soap-making.
Regardless of the backlash, there was a small segment on farming throughout the programme.
Viewers watched Adam Henson travel to Northumberland, where he learned how a farming family turbo-charged birds.
Adam Henson even tried soap making
Countryfile: BBC viewers weren’t happy about the historical segments
Countryfile airs on Sunday at 8pm on BBC Two.
