One Man and His Dog (1976)

Overview

One Man and His Dog is a television series in the United Kingdom featuring sheepdog trials, originally presented by Phil Drabble, with commentary by Eric Halsall and, later, by Ray Ollerenshaw. In 1994, Robin Page replaced Drabble as the main presenter. Gus Dermody took over as commentator. At its peak, in the early 1980s, it attracted audiences in excess of eight million. The last regular series aired in 1999; however, the same year also saw the first of a series of Christmas specials, which continued annually until 2011, which have been contested by teams of shepherds from the four nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, in the three categories of Singles, Brace and Young Handlers. Dermody has remained as a commentator ever since. The main hosts have been Clarissa Dickson Wright, followed by Ben Fogle with co-host Shauna Lowry, and Kate Humble. Matt Baker joined the programme as a co-commentator in 2006, and additionally became the main host in 2011. In 2012, the show was broadcast in two parts in September, and Baker was joined as a main presenter by Michaela Strachan. In July 2013, it was announced that One Man and His Dog is to have a new home on BBC One, as part of rural affairs show Countryfile.