FAMILY comes first – which Matt Baker clearly knows all too well after making a big decision on one of his most popular shows.
I can reveal he is parking his Channel 4 programme Travels With Mum & Dad over concerns for his parents’ health.
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Viewers loved the dynamic between the presenter, his mother Janice and father Mike as they explored North East England over three series.
But as his parents grew older, filming the gentle documentary became increasingly difficult.
A source said: “Matt, Janice and Mike loved filming the show together, but as time went on they needed to adapt the kind of activities they took on and how far they would travel.
“After filming the most recent series they all felt the demands were becoming a little too much and Matt’s decided to shelve it.
“The show could return but is likely to look different.”
The series, which began in 2022, showed the clan journeying from the family farm in Durham to visit beauty spots, castles, museums and cathedrals while towing a caravan.
Ahead of last year’s series, Matt told how they adapted their schedule.
He said: “They are always close to home because obviously, having a farm you can’t go far.
“And plus, with dad being, like, 80, the reality of them planning to go on some sort of adventure was never going to be the case.
“Hopefully, I’m kind of inspiring people to take the older members of their family out.”
In the meantime, the ex-Blue Peter presenter is currently hosting Channel 4’s Our Dream Farm, in which contestants compete for the tenancy of a National Trust farm in North Wales.
TOM’S NEW SERIES
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IT was all about the movie magic on the set of Tom Hardy‘s new series MobLand this week – as producers got creative with camera tricks for a gruesome looking scene.
The actor, who plays lead character Harry De Souza in the Guy Ritchie directed Paramount series, was seen watching on as a dummy body was thrown onto the car below.
Meanwhile, production staff got busy pouring on the fake blood to an actor in a second shot to bring the gory moment to life.
The series, which has been filming in London, follows two warring families based in London, with criminal empires stretching across the globe.
Tom is the fiercely loyal fixer contracted with protecting one of family members at all costs.
The series, which also stars Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and Joanna Froggatt, is due to start on Paramount+ on March 30.
LORD SUGAR’S STICKING AROUND
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THE Apprentice has been on our screens for nearly 20 years and Lord Sugar has no plans to stop hiring and firing.
The tycoon, who turns 80 in 2027, has confirmed he’s sticking around for at least three more years.
In an interview tonight with BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lord Sugar admits he can spot candidates who are in the process solely for fame and not business from a mile off.
He says: “I spot them straight away, so that’s why they never become the winners.
“I know what they’re there for. They’re there for the wrong reasons.”
Amol Rajan Interviews airs tonight on BBC Two, at 7pm.
NICK GRIMSHAW will host a new series later this year of Channel 4’s Bad Dog Academy as a new batch of unruly hounds and their owners undergo a transformation with help from a team of experts.
He said: “I’ve always loved dogs, so getting to be around loads at once has been a dream.”
HIT ITV quiz show, ANT and DEC’s Limitless Win will be back with two new series and Christmas specials next year and in 2027.
Dec said: “We want the contestants to go as high as possible! That’s the magic of Limitless Win.”
You can apply to take part at itv.com/beontv.
