BBC Countryfile viewers ask 'is this Top Gear?' as they slam 'idiotic and dangerous drive'
The latest edition of Countryfile saw presenters Anita Rani and Matt Baker visit Wrynose and Hardknott Passes in the Lake District.
Countryfile: Matt and Anita drive through the Lake District
BBC One's Countryfile faced backlash from viewers as presenters Anita Rani and Matt Baker took to the roads for the latest edition of the Sunday night show. The pair were visiting the Lake District and drew comparisons to Top Gear as they undertook a daunting drive though Wrynose and Hardknott Passes.
At one point, Anita sped up - comparing her car to a Ferrari. Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to vent about the segment, which saw them navigating the narrow and dangerous roads as they headed up the mountain.
@TonyCalder17 enquired: "What’s this, #countryfile does #topgear ?" (sic) @NFGmart had the same thought asking: "Is this Topgear all of a sudden? #Countryfile."
@ihnewman also madethe comparison: "Is this #topgear or #countryfile," they questioned. However other viewers were simply not impressed that the show was promoting what they claimed to be a dangerous drive. @dapgray opined: "#countryfile Promoting non essential driving over the Lake District passes ! WTAF ???"
"This is one of the UK is most dramatic roads. And for some drivers, the mountain passes are less than lovable if the online reviews of Wrynose and Hardknotts are anything to go by," Anita informed viewers in a voiceover.
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The reviews ranged from people having to throw passengers out of the car to get to the top of the hill, to another driver who found themselves at the bottom of a house without warning.
As Anita said: "Oh my god, I'm crying", her voiceover pointed out: "Too late to turn back now, for us the only way is up."
However, in an effort to highlight the issues on the roads they did later speak to people who rescue drivers who find themsleves in trouble in the area who offered advice.
Throughout the programme, they also discussed the issue with several locals who all agreed with the dangers. One resident even showed Anita a Facebook page dedicated to pictures of vehicles that have found themselves in sticky situations in the area.
Countryfile is on BBC One on Sunday nights at 6pm with previous episodes available on BBC iPlayer.