A Strictly Come Dancing star is swapping the dancefloor for the great outdoors in a surprise Countryfile presenter shake-up.
Radio presenter and Strictly Come Dancing alum Vick Hope is heading into the wild as the latest addition to the Countryfile presenting team.
The TV star will make her debut in March, kicking things off with a trip to Kielder Forest.
The 35-year-old is best known for hosting BBC Radio 1’s drivetime show with Katie Thistleton and Jamie Laing.
As well as her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Vick has also appeared in I’m A Celebrity, The Daily Drop and Pointless.
Taking to X – formerly Twitter – the BBC Press wrote: “It’s official! Vick Hope is joining @BBCCountryfile.
“Vick’s first episode will air Sunday 9 March on @BBCiPlayer and @BBCOne as she joins fellow Tynesider Matt Baker to explore Kielder Forest.”
Vick will be joining regular presenters John Craven, Matt Baker, Anita Rani, Adam Henson, Hamza Yassin, Sean Fletcher, Sammi Kinghorn, Margherita Taylor, Charlotte Smith, Joe Crowley, Tom Heap and Datshiane Navanayagam.
Vick said in a statement: “I’m delighted to be joining the Countryfile team – spending time in nature has always been hugely important to me, so the chance to learn ever more about the world around us from such beautifully diverse perspectives and such a passionate mix of people who live and breathe country life across the UK will be so special and enriching.
“I grew up not too far from Kielder Forest which is where my first filming will take place, and have fond memories of orienteering there as a child; the opportunity to return and champion an area that has meant so much to me as my first assignment is an incredible full circle moment – I can’t wait.”
In her first episode, Vick will team up with fellow Tynesider Matt Baker as they explore how Northumberland’s Kielder Forest is being reimagined for the future.
She’ll also get stuck in at the Kielder Salmon Centre, helping to collect juvenile freshwater pearl mussels in a hands-on conservation effort.
Countryfile’s series editor Mark Beech revealed that he is “thrilled” to welcome Vick into the BBC show’s line-up.
He said: “Growing up in rural Northumberland, Vick has a genuine connection to the countryside, and we’re excited for her to bring that personal insight, alongside her vibrant energy to the show.
“We look forward to seeing her lace up her boots, brave the elements and head out to visit the people and places of our beautiful countryside.”
The presenter tied the knot with Calvin Harris just five months ago.
Countryfile presenting team
Agricultural programme Countryfile launched on the BBC in 1988. In its long history, the show's seen several presenters come and go. Let's take a look at the current line-up.
- John Craven: The longest-serving presenter, having debuted in 1989, John is also known for his work on Newsround from 1972–1989.
- Adam Henson: Adam, who comes from a farming family, joined the presenting team in 2001. His other media work includes BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today and BBC Two’s Lambing Live.
- Matt Baker: Having joined the line-up in 2009, Matt also presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones from 2011 to 2020. Before that, he hosted Blue Peter from 1999 to 2006.
- Tom Heap: Tom joined Countryfile in 2009 and in April 2012, he took over the investigative reporter role from John Craven. He has also presented The Climate Show on Sky News.
- Helen Skelton: Another former Blue Peter presenter, she hosted the beloved children’s programme from 2008 to 2013. Helen joined the Countryfile team in 2014 and has competed in Strictly Come Dancing.
- Anita Rani: Anita was added to Countryfile in 2015 and has presented other programmes for the Beeb including The Refugee Camp: Our Desert Home, among others.
- Sean Fletcher: Newsreader and presenter Sean joined Countryfile in 2015. He is also known for Good Morning Britain, Songs of Praise and BBC Breakfast.
But she was forced to hit back after she was accused of flaunting her wealth with a topless holiday snap.
After posting a tropical beach photo on Instagram, harsh online critics who accused her of flaunting her glamorous lifestyle.
One user commented: “It’s nearly February, it’s freezing and no one has any money but thanks.”
Vick replied: “Ok next time will post a pic of my grim commute home tonight from work in the storm to brighten up the timeline.”
Another user added: “We know u and Calvin have worked hard, but it’s almost February, the weather is c**p and we’d all love to get away for a bit of sunshine.
“So thanks for flaunting your glamorous life when 95% of the country are struggling to pay some bills right now.”
The star hit back and responded: “I’m not on holiday, I was at work today, have been all week, well aware that it’s bloody cold I’m freezing my tits off right now. It’s a throwback picture from a past holiday, not that deep.”
The pictures were captured during her honeymoon with DJ Calvin Harris earlier this month, as the couple travelled to Mexico for their honeymoon.
A source told The Sun: “Calvin and Vick’s wedding was a day none of their guests will ever forget.
“Their vows were really emotional and the marriage ceremony included poems like Ernest Hemmingway’s If There’s Empty Spaces In Your Heart and Lori Eberhai’s Devoted.
“They didn’t stop smiling all day. Calvin and Vick are so clearly madly in love, it was a truly beautiful day.”
When he isn’t in sun-soaked luxury locations, Calvin has been releasing collaborations with Sam Smith and Eliza Rose.
