Countryfile viewers were left unimpressed with the BBC show after they claimed they were trying to copy Top Gear with their driving segments.
In the latest episode, Anita Rani and Matt Baker took a trip along the Hardknott and Wrynose passes in the heart of the Lake District.
The route famously features some of the most challenging roads the countryside has to offer and allows access to stunning countryside features.
This includes England’s deepest late Wastwater, where Rani joins a local group of wild swimmers. Elsewhere in the Cotswolds, Adam Henson is busy on the farm with lambing, kidding and calving all underway.
Rani was driving through the country fields and terrains, with the presenters discussing the cars features and how nice it was driving.
Viewers of the series were left furious and took to their X account to slam the show, with one noting: “Promoting non-essential driving over the Lake District passes! WTAF?”
Countryfile viewers we left annoyed with the "knock off Top Gear" episode
BBC
“What’s this #countryfile does #topgear?” another said before a third commented: “Why is she driving so fast up in a shoebox #countryfile.
“Stop Yabbering to the camera, that's what causes accidents Not concentrating on the job in hand.”
A fourth viewer quipped: “Is this another travel show on country file #countryfile.”
“What is this knock off Top Gear episode? Absolute rubbish,” one jibed, before a sixth slammed: “Giving up with #Countryfile at the moment, they need to get back to the important issues.” (sic)
Anita Rani and Matt Baker took a trip along the Hardknott and Wrynose passes
BBC
This isn’t the first time the show has been slammed by viewers in recent weeks, after the show dedicated one episode to dentistry.
Many were quick to point out that it is a nationwide issue that doesn’t just affect the countryside, being confused as to why it was a main topic of discussion.
The BBC has since addressed the comments, sharing a statement from bosses to defend the episode.
The comment read: “Countryfile covers a wide range of rural affairs issues affecting rural areas and communities.
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Countryfile fans were fuming at the BBC show
BBC
“In this programme, Countryfile investigated the lack of NHS dentistry provision in Devon and Cornwall.
“Our film acknowledged this is a national problem but focused on the stories of those living in rural areas.
“Previously the programme has produced diverse films including shortfalls in Special Education Needs provision and the difficulties recruiting Midwifery staff in rural areas.”
