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Ellie Harrison on Countryfile© Pete Dadds

Inside Countryfile star Ellie Harrison's home life: from long-term relationship to country music dreams

Ellie announced her departure in October

Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
December 4, 2023
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Countryfile fans were heartbroken when Ellie Harrison hosted her final show in December 2023. The presenter stepped down from her role after 13 years and in her last programme, delivered a heartfelt speech to viewers. 

"I've had the best geography field trips exploring these beautiful lands," said the 46-year-old. "It's been an honour to have been trusted by all the people I've met on the programme and by the audience and I thank you for your time."

WATCH: Ellie Harrison bids farewell to Countryfile in heartfelt speech

Now that Ellie is no longer on our TV screens in Countryfile, she'll no doubt have more time to spend with her family. Keep reading for all we know about her life away from the TV cameras. 

Ellie Harrison sat on a haystack© John Lawrence/Shutterstock
Ellie Harrison left Countryfile after 13 years

Ellie's home life with doctor husband 

When she's not busy working, Ellie can be found at home in the Cotswolds, where she owns a smallholding and ancient apple orchard.

The TV star lives with her partner Matthew Goodman, who works as a GP. The couple share three young children - two daughters and a son, who Ellie likes to keep out of the spotlight. 

While the presenter tends to keep her personal life private, she has previously opened up about her husband, who was previously linked to Holly Willoughby.

In an interview with Stylist back in 2016, Ellie shared an insight into her and Matthew's relationship. Gushing about her partner, she said: "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 Harrison on Countryfile© Pete Dadds
Ellie will be focusing on her children and family business

She went on to add that she'd previously turned down a marriage proposal from Matthew but hoped to tie the knot one day. "He did ask me but I didn't see it through," she said. "I will do one day. We haven't done that bit. We've done the big stuff, the children, and the scars!"

In the same interview, Ellie revealed that she had her arm scarred with a blade as a show of commitment to her other half. "It's called scarification," she explained. "You go to someone who is into body art and you get it done. There are only a few places you can go for it in the whole country."

Ellie Harrison and Anita Rani on Countryfile© BBC
Ellie with co-star Anita Rani in her final Countryfile episode

The broadcaster went on to say that while her partner was initially "shocked" by her decision, the gesture also made him "really quite emotional". 

Ellie's country music career dreams

While she's now carved out a successful presenting career, Ellie initially had dreams of making it in the country music business. 

During a Q&A with the BBC, Ellie previously said that writing an album was at the top of her bucket list. 

Ellie's Countryfile departure

While Ellie has appeared on various TV programmes, such as Country Tracks, The Great British Winter and The One Show, Countryfile is perhaps her most notable gig. 

So, why exactly is she leaving after all these years? Back in October, Ellie explained in a statement that she's hoping to spend more time with her children, as well as working on her family business. 

Ellie Harrison on Countryfile© BBC
Ellie lives in the Cotswolds

"I've come to realise that I don't need to navigate to a whole new ocean or even a new sea, but to chart a new course somewhere in these waters, raising my three wonderful children, growing our family business and following my own creative calling to produce art of my own making," she said.

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