BBC Countryfile viewers baffled as they beg 'make your mind up'

Countryfile fans were left bemused within moments of the latest episode airing. The BBC One show's presenters, Matt Baker and Charlotte Smith, took viewers on a journey through one of Britain's largest military training grounds, highlighting the unique bond between the Ministry of Defence and the land it oversees.

The pair, granted special security access, ventured into Salisbury Plain, which is pivotal for both national defence and environmental conservation. The programme explored the MoD's approach to integrating military exercises with agricultural and conservation work.

Charlotte chatted with Warrant Officer Class 1 Jeff Elson (WO1) about his duties overseeing the vast area, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest. He introduced her to a protected shell scrape, typically excavated by soldiers for shelter during overnight stays.

Charlotte Smith
Charlotte Smith was back on screens to host BBC's Countryfile -Credit:BBC

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Yet, what caught the audience's attention was not the landscape or the conversation but rather the officer's attire. Viewers quickly expressed their amusement on X, previously known as Twitter.

One viewer quipped: "Make your mind up! Do you want or be seen or not? #countryfile", while another pointed out: "Soldier on countryfile wearing camouflage gear under a Hi Vis vest.", reports the Express.

A third echoed the sentiment, noting the odd combination of "Solider wearing camouflage and Hi Vis vest."

Charlotte and Warrant Officer Class 1 Jeff Elson (WO1)
Charlotte chatted with Warrant Officer Class 1 Jeff Elson (WO1) about his duties -Credit:BBC

In another part of the programme, Matt donned his waders to join a passionate team working to protect a vulnerable chalk river in the vicinity. The feature highlighted the critical role of preserving natural environments and the obstacles encountered in conservation work.

The recent instalment followed host Matt sharing insights into his marriage with Nicola Mooney. He playfully revealed that their contrasting hobbies make them "chalk and cheese".

While chatting with Gabby Logan on The MidPoint podcast, the topic of Nicola's "midlife shift" came up, sparking a conversation about her passion for reading.

Matt admitted he's not much of a reader himself, saying: "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