Countryfile’s Adam Henson shares bittersweet post after opening up about ‘sad passing’
COUNTRYFILE presenter Adam Henson updated fans with some sad news over the weekend.
Adam, 58, who runs the Cotswolds Farm Park, based in Guiting Power, Glocs., has starred in the BBC nature programme since 2001.
The star took to social media to announce the passing of Victoria, one of his horses.
However, in a brighter update, Adam also shared that the farm has since welcomed a new foal.
Sharing pictures of the newborn on Instagram, the farmer captioned his post: “After the sad passing of Victoria last week, I’m delighted to share the news that my #SuffolkPunch mare, Lexy, has given birth to a beautiful #colt.”
He continued: “He is doing extremely well and will be staying alongside Lexy with local expert #breeders to allow them to form a strong bond together, before joining us back at @cotswoldfarmpark. #foal #horses #farmlife.”
Fans were quick to respond to the presenter’s post, with one writing: “How gorgeous is he? Sorry for your loss of Victoria.”
Meanwhile, another person remarked: “Wow he’s a little smasher – he’s got some lovely strong legs and a beautiful face.”
A third person wrote: “What an absolute beauty … good to see the Suffolk Punch bloodline continues Adam.”
Another response to the Instagram post read: “So sorry for your loss but how wonderful is life to give you this gift.”
A further fan shared: “What a little Bute, we have had some lovely new season foals at my local Suffolk punch trust home at Woodbridge.
“Such a beautiful horse. Such a lovely outcome and Lexy is such a beautiful loving mum.”
It comes as Countryfile viewers were previously left in tears following a life or death situation depicted in an episode.
While Adam visited Cotswold Farm Park to see the lambing season coming to a close, a lamb had become stuck in the birth canal during the birthing process.
In order for the lamb to be delivered safely, Adam wanted to get it back inside the sheep in an attempt to effectively try again.
This involved pushing the lamb back inside before twisting it around whilst still inside the pregnant mother in order for it be birthed in the correct positioning.
Having tied a string around the lamb to allow him to do so, he successfully managed to push the lamb into the right position.
Co-star Ellie Harrison said “I’m holding my breath here” as she watched on, stunned, but was left dumbfounded when the first lamb was born, appearing to be lifeless.
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.
Panicked, Adam handed her the lamb and instructed her to “rub it” and clear its airways in hopes of saving it.
As she was doing so, Adam helped to deliver the ewe’s second lamb.
Thankfully, Adam helped to save both lambs after the distressing birth with all involved.
Countryfile airs Sundays on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.