Countryfile's Ellie Harrison's life from music career to 'handsome' GP partner
For 13 years, Ellie Harrison has delighted Countryfile viewers with her infectious enthusiasm for the natural world and love of outdoorsy pursuits. Now the mum-of-three has decided to leave the beloved BBC show behind in favour of new adventures. In her final Countryfile column, she stated that her focus will now be on raising her children, growing her family business, and following her "creative calling" to produce art of "her own making".
Gloucestershire-born Ellie has promised that she will see viewers "again someday", emphasising that her special "bond with the programme" had made her decision very difficult indeed. As Ellie moves onto pastures, we take a look at her life behind the scenes, from her forgotten country music career to her relationship with a handsome doctor.
Ellie has announced her departure from Countryfile (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Many won't be aware of Ellie's passion for country music (PA)Country music dreams
Ellie, 45, is perhaps best known for her knowledge of wildlife and the great outdoors, and so many fans may not be aware of her hidden musical talent. Indeed, before finding her niche in presenting Ellie had explored a country music career, working a number of jobs as she worked to establish herself as a singer in an acoustic band.
Fate had other ideas in mind however and, after landing a job as a secretary at Channel 5, Ellie's TV career began to skyrocket. After filling in for Michaela Strachan on Michaela's Wild Challenge, Ellie was soon snapped up for a range of other shows, including The One Show, The Great British Winter, and Country Tracks.
Over time, Ellie made a name for herself as an authority on all things countryside-related and, in 2009, earned herself a regular spot on Countryfile. Reflecting on some of the "thornier lessons" she's learned during her time on the iconic show, Ellie wrote: "There are some thornier lessons that come with me: a belief that tradition doesn't get a free pass and needs to prove its place in the countryside; a question about land ownership and payments (it's right that we challenge outcomes that see millionaires being paid to burn biofuels with the windows open); the difficulty of showing the full and graphic process of meat production; and the ever-downward trend in wildlife numbers.
Gorka Marquez sends sweet message to Helen Skelton after skipping Strictly tour
"But there are the joyful reminders, too, that our countryside is a gift, brought to you via the arteries of our ancestors' footwork across the land, as well as the realisation over the years that even the most opposing views in the countryside share nearly everything in common. Imagine the combined force of so much knowledge if it were taken to the changemakers."
Ellie found a creative way to show her love for partner Matthew (Twitter)GP partner
Ellie is in a long-term relationship with her GP fiancé Matthew Goodman, who previously dated fellow presenter Holly Willoughby. The couple have been together since 2005, but have never gotten around to tying the knot. Although they may not have officially exchanged vows, however, Ellie has found a creative way to show her enduring commitment to Matthew, by scarifying her arm to mark their ten-year anniversary. For those unfamiliar with the term, scarification is a type of body modification whereby the skin is deliberately cut in such a way that scars are left in the shape of specific designs or patterns.
During an interview with the Mail Online, Ellie revealed: "I presented my arm to him in this kind of cling film wrap. You have to scrub [the cuts] out and put Vaseline on, then clingfilm to keep the wounds open and clean. He was a bit shocked, I must say. He said he was conflicted because I'd hurt myself in this pursuit, but he was obviously really quite emotional."
She added: "We're not married, but this was my great offering to him. Obviously, if he leaves me I'll have to create a different story about what it's about! He's the most handsome man on Earth. He's my beloved and I hope we die together. Not yet. But that's my wish - that we end up dying together."
Ellie and Matthew have three children together - daughters Red, 13, Lux, 11, and a seven-year-old whose name has not been made public. The family lives in the picturesque Cotswolds, where Ellie owns a smallholding and ancient apple orchard.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
