The BBC has broken its silence after a Countryfile segment caused backlash among viewers last month.
The much-loved show which gives fans a glimpse at country life and all that comes with it came under fire after an episode which aired on March 17.
During one part of the show journalist Datshiane Navanayagam went to Devon and Cornwall to examine the struggles that people living in the countryside have getting access to NHS dentists.
But after the show aired the BBC received complaints from viewers over the dentistry segment – as they said it wasn’t ‘suitable’ for the show that usually focuses on farming and wildlife.
The broadcaster has now said, according to The Express: ‘We received complaints from people who felt that the item on dentistry was not suitable for Countryfile.’
The BBC has broken its silence after a Countryfile segment caused backlash among viewers last month
The much-loved show which gives fans a glimpse at country life and all that comes with it came under fire after an episode which aired on March 17 (Adam Henson on the show stock)
However, the BBC went on to point out that they cover a ‘wide range of rural affairs issues affecting rural areas and communities’.
They continued: ‘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.’
At the time, fans took to social media to complain about the dentistry segment as they said: ‘Countryfile. Dentists? Am I missing something?’,
‘What have NHS Dentists got to do with The Countryside? More irrelevant guff to pad out #countryfile.’,
‘#Countryfile What has lack of dentists got to do with countryside matters?? Is this panorama or Countryfile? My favourite Sunday evening relaxation show ruined.’
It comes after last week Countryfile viewers raised concern for presenter Adam Henson during the Easter Sunday episode, after spotting a mark on his face.
The farmer and author, 58, featured on Sunday’s episode of the BBC show alongside Margherita Taylor and Matt Baker.
During one part of the show journalist Datshiane Navanayagam went to Devon and Cornwall to examine the struggles that people living in the countryside have getting access to NHS dentists
But after the show aired the BBC received complaints from viewers over the dentistry segment – as they said it wasn’t ‘suitable’ for the show that usually focuses on farming and wildlife
Journalist Datshiane Navanayagam (seen) went to Devon and Cornwall to investigate the dentistry crisis
Adam was sent to investigate a deadly livestock disease which had been ravaging farms across the UK, including his own flock of sheep.
Called the Schmallenberg virus, which is spread by midges, Adam explained how it can affect cattle, sheep and goats, particularly in pregnancy.
But viewers were distracted from the information after noticing a long red mark on Adam’s face.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers wrote: ‘Adam looks like he’s developed a birth mark on his right cheek since his last appearance! Although there is a bit of a continuity issue with it tonight!;
‘Has Adam been kicked in the face by a rare breed?; ‘Has he had an argument with a razor blade?;
‘@BBCCountryfile I missed the start if today’s programme what has poor Adam done to his face.’
MailOnline contacted Adam’s representative for comment.
Adam is just one of the BBC nature show’s presenters, which include Matt, Helen Skelton, John Craven, Tom Heap, Anita Rani and Sean Fletcher.
Born and raised on the family farm in the Cotswolds, Adam’s wealth of rural knowledge was bestowed upon him by his father Joe.
Aged just eight, he accompanied his father to North Ronaldsay, located within Scotland’s Orkney Islands, on a trip to buy 287 sheep with 108 of the sheep brought back to England and mainland Scotland.
He and his father would later return to North Ronaldsay for an episode of Countryfile in a heartwarming trip down memory lane.
After obtaining a Higher National Diploma in Agriculture from Seale-Hayne Agricultural College in Devon, Adam travelled to New Zealand, Canada and Australia before returning home to the farm, which his father Joe eventually allowed him to run from 1999.
Adam also inherited Joe’s interest in rare breeds at a very young age. The two of them ran the business together, and Adam began presenting on Countryfile in 2001.
Away from presenting, Adam runs his 650-hectare estate and the Cotswold Farm Park, which is home to over 50 breeding flocks and herds of British rare breed farm animals, with his best friend Duncan Andrews.
Adam’s wife Charlie was tragically diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021.
At the time, fans took to social media to complain about the dentistry segment as they said: ‘Countryfile. Dentists? Am I missing something?’ (presenter Matt Baker seen on the show stock)
It comes after last week Countryfile viewers raised concern for presenter Adam Henson during the Easter Sunday episode, after spotting a mark on his face
The pair got married that same year after 28 years together, as getting married ‘was suddenly really important’ following her diagnosis.
In October, Adam said it felt like he was ‘hit with a sledgehammer’ at the devastating news, and admitted he and his wife Charlie ‘cried a lot’ during their wedding.
The couple had a relationship in sixth form before officially getting together in their twenties.
Charlie, who is one of the around 10,500 Britons diagnosed with the killer disease every year, is now in ‘ongoing recovery’ and has scans every six months following surgery to remove the tumour.
