Matt Baker was born on 23 December 1977 in Easington, County Durham, England. He grew up on a farm, where his parents ran a smallholding and a local business, shaping his lifelong connection to the countryside.

He studied performing arts at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, before pursuing a career in entertainment. His early work included touring in stage productions before transitioning into television presenting.

Baker rose to fame in 1999 as a presenter on Blue Peter, where he stayed until 2006. He later became a household name co-hosting The One Show (2011–2020).

Since 2009, he has been a presenter on Countryfile on BBC One, a flagship rural affairs programme covering farming, wildlife, and countryside life.

He now lives on his family farm in County Durham with his wife and children, continuing to work in television while staying closely connected to farming life.