Countryfile viewers rage over lack of ‘inclusivity’ during special episode of BBC show

COUNTRYFILE sparked division among viewers as Matt Baker made a return with the Man and His Dog special.

During Sunday night’s episode of the BBC show, Matt returned with this year’s coverage of the One Man and His Dog event.

The presenter met with four of the UK’s top handlers and their sheepdogs, who competed at the Bodfari course in front of judge Mike Northwood.

The competition featured England’s Jessica Saukkonen, Scotland’s Sandy McCulloch, Wales’ Dewi Jenkins and Ireland’s Tom O’Sullivan.

However, the Countryfile special soon left viewers divided, and while some were loving the programme, others felt the title, ‘One Man and his Dog’, should have been more inclusive.

Taking to Twitter, one person penned: “When will this awesome competition be called ‘One Person and their Dog’?”

Echoing their comments, someone else said: “Wonder if there are any female competitors in today’s episode of Countryfile?”

While a third added: “‘One Man and His Dog’? The first competitor is a woman. Time to change the name of the competition.”

Introducing the programme, Matt said: “This unassuming field in the Derbyshire Hills is about to enter into the history books as the stage for One Man and His Dog.

“Four of the top sheepdog handlers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are here, all hoping to get their hands on this prestigious title and become champions of One Man and His Dog 2022.”

As Matt stood where the trials would be taking place, the host explained the land was built as a boundary for the King’s Kingdom and the Welsh.

“It crosses today’s England-Wales border more than 20 times,” Matt added.

“And anybody who is up there today having a good hike is in for a real treat because they are going to get a cracking view of our trial.”

As he held up the prestigious award, he concluded: “And the competitors hoping to get their hands on this, the Man and His Dog trophy.”

Countryfile returns on Sunday at 4.45pm on BBC One.