Beloved television presenter Matt Baker has candidly shared his ongoing struggle with a severe and persistent health problem, revealing he has endured 'years of pain'. The Countryfile host, also famed for his time on Blue Peter and The One Show, posted a heartfelt update to his followers, detailing his battle with chronic back issues.
A Candid Health Revelation on Social Media
In a video shared on his Instagram, the 47-year-old star explained his latest project: creating a rustic gym within a stable on his property. This initiative is part of a personal mission to reclaim an active lifestyle that his back pain has severely impacted. Matt Baker stated he has been dealing with this chronic condition for several years, expressing that it felt like "a massive part of me has been missing."
He told his audience, "I’m going to work through what feels like a bit of a sticky wall to get myself back in the game. I’ll take it gently, and thankfully, due to gymnastics, I know what I’m doing." His background in gymnastics, a skill showcased during his Blue Peter days, provides him with valuable knowledge for his rehabilitation journey.
An Outpouring of Support from Friends and Fans
The post prompted an immediate wave of supportive messages from fellow celebrities and fans. Comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness commented on the gym setup, while broadcaster Simon Thomas offered encouraging words. Matt's wife, Nicola, humorously noted that clearing the stable was "a workout itself," and TV colleague Angellica Bell urged him on with a "Let's go! Get that back better xx."
This openness about his physical challenges is consistent with Baker's approach to his public life. He has previously spoken with similar honesty about being neurodivergent, discussing how dyslexia has shaped his career and personal outlook.
Living and Thriving with Dyslexia
In past interviews, Matt Baker has explained that his dyslexia makes him a profoundly practical person. "Reading isn’t really my thing. I prefer making things and painting," he has said. He recalled the terror of being asked to read aloud as a child but has developed strategies to manage the condition, even during live television broadcasts.
His perspective on dyslexia is overwhelmingly positive and resilient. He emphatically stated, "I wouldn’t change a thing." Baker views his neurodivergence as a source of unique thinking, adding, "Dyslexia has taught me you can achieve anything." This same determined attitude is now being applied to his physical recovery, as he seeks to overcome chronic pain and return to full fitness through his new stable gym project.
