BBC Countryfile fans fume 'what's happened' as they issue the same complaint

BBC's flagship Sunday night show Countryfile has come under fire from viewers who complained it has "nothing to do with farming and agricultural issues" anymore. The latest episode of the show saw presenter Joe Crowley visiting the Norfolk Broads for the Three Rivers Race.

Broadcast at the earlier time of 5.30pm to avoid a clash with the Euros 2024 coverage, the edition followed three crews as they battled strong northerly winds during the race. However, viewers felt the coverage was out of place on the rural magazine programme and took to X to share their thoughts.

@PolygoniaSpec suggested: "#Countryfile should be shown monthly as subject matter of interest is very scarce these days." @NickAle70217512 asked: "What is happening to Countryfile? Yet again featuring a subject that has nothing to do with farming and agricultural issues. I also don't get why archive clips are needed with so many presenters to use #countryfile."

@Simo21537664) wasn't impressed by the race, writing "Probably good fun to participate. Not so sure to watch.#countryfile." @SamPiper3 joked: "When you buy TV rights to America's Cup from Temu #countryfile." They later added: "I'm glad they're just showing 'highlights' and not the whole race #countryfile."

@NatalieDrury2 opined: "#countryfile Disappointed with this week's not much Countryside this week." Meanwhile, @RideFastCoach chimed in with a query: "Late to the show. Is this a ‘sailing under bridges’ special? And, has Adam found anybody to do all the work yet? #countryfile." (sic)

The Three Rivers Race began in 1961 and covers a fifty mile course across three rivers in the Norfolk Broads - River Ant, River Thurne and River Bure.

Introducing viewers to the race presenter Joe Crowley excitedly pointed to the gathered crowd for the event.

“There are hundreds of competitors here," he said. "They've all descended on this part of the Broads to complete the race in 24 hours.

"That is the amount of time they have allotted. It is a tremendous test of boatmanship, skill, and stamina."

Joe, 42, joined Countryfile as a presenter in 2014 but has previously admitted there have been times in his career where he has “struggled for work,” having been replaced by a younger reporter.

Speaking on the Wildlife Exposed podcast in 2022, he said: “There has to be a cycle and there have to be other younger presenters, reporters, coming in and gradually some of that work you were doing, which was just presented, you are there for a moment.

“Ultimately, anyone can present to a point, so you’ve got no god-given right to hang on to that kind of work. You have to start working out, okay, what do I care about? What can I make my own?

“And, when you’re struggling for work, and I have at many times, you have to kind of think, ‘if no one's going to give me work, and why should they? I have to come up with a story that’s mine’.”

Countryfile is on BBC One on Sunday nights.