BBC Countryfile viewers baffled minutes into episode saying 'make your mind up'

Countryfile viewers were left scratching their heads just minutes into the latest instalment of the programme. During Sunday's (September 15) episode of the BBC One show, hosts Matt Baker and Charlotte Smith explored one of the UK’s largest military training areas and the unique relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the land it manages.

Charlotte and Matt received special security clearance to enter Salisbury Plain, a site that plays a crucial role in both national security and environmental stewardship. The episode delved into how the Ministry of Defence balances military training with farming and conservation efforts.

Host Charlotte spoke to Warrant Officer Class 1 Jeff Elson (WO1) about his role of managing the activity across the area, including Sites of Special Scientifc Interest and he showed her a protected shell scrape, a hole dug by soliders nomrally for an overnight stay to give them somewhere to sleep protected.

However, viewers were left distracted by the fact that the officer's apperance. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "Make your mind up! Do you want or be seen or not? #countryfile". Someone else said: "Soldier on countryfile wearing camouflage gear under a Hi Vis vest." Someone else said: "Solider wearing camouflage and Hi Vis vest."

Elsewhere in the show, Matt put on his waders to meet a dedicated team focused on preserving a threatened chalk river in the area. This segment shone a light on the importance of maintaining natural habitats and the challenges faced in conservation efforts.

The latest episode comes after host Matt opened up about his relationship with wife Nicola Mooney. He cheekily admitted that they are like "chalk and cheese" due to their differing interests.

During the conversation with Gabby Logan on the The MidPoint podcast, she inquired about Nicola's "midlife shift", leading to a discussion about her love for literature.

Matt confessed he isn't much of a bookworm himself. He stated: "Yeah, well, she's written all of her life, and it's amazing how, you know, we are, in many respects, chalk and cheese. Like, I cannot read, and she never stops reading. Do you know what I mean?

"It's like these weird sort of magnets that attract you together. I suppose it's similar for you and Kenny because you're so kind of academic in that respect.

"And ever since I've known Nicola, she's written and written and written. She's done it as a hobby, and when she was younger, you know, talk about a swot."

Countryfile airs Sundays on BBC One at 7pm