Countryfile's Ellie Harrison opens up on filming 'terrifying' episode that 'got to her'

Former BBC Countryfile host Ellie Harrison has shared a nerve-wracking experience from an episode filmed in 2010.

The presenter was part of the show for 13 years, but revealed while participating in one segment, she found herself in the role of quarry alongside Lee Mansfield and described the ordeal as "terrifying."

In a 2013 interview, Ellie reminisced about her most memorable horse-related moment on the show, recalling the "terrifying" sensation that "really does get to you".

She recounted: "My favourite memory is of hunting with bloodhounds, when I got to be the quarry – hunting the clean boot, they call it, because the hounds follow natural human scent rather than an artificial scent like aniseed.

"It was really good fun, as well as being terrifying. We were obviously in no danger, as the bloodhounds were only likely to lick us to death if they caught us. But when you're not as fit as you'd like to be, and you're partnered with a guy who's never been caught, the pressure's on!"

Ellie reflected on the intense experience: "It really does get to you, even though you know you're only making telly. At the end, they caught up with me and I blemished this guy's perfect record of having never been caught, but that was my best experience ever of any horse-related story I've done."

After more than a decade, Ellie bid an emotional goodbye to Countryfile, taking viewers on a nostalgic journey during her last appearance on the programme, reports the Express.

Ellie joined her co-presenter Anita Rani for her last appearance on the show at Poole Harbour in Dorset, where they explored artificial rock pools. The episode also featured Ellie gathering an uncommon culinary component – sea spaghetti.

When her departure was announced, a BBC spokesperson said: "Ellie is a much-loved and valued member of the Countryfile family and will be missed. We would like to thank her for her commitment to the programme and for sharing her passion for wildlife and the great outdoors.

"We will be celebrating her contribution in a special show on December 3 and wish her all the best."

In her final column for Countryfile, Ellie shared that her foremost focus will be on her children and growing her family business.

Nevertheless, she offered reassurance to the viewers with a promise that they would "see her again someday", mentioning that she shares a "unique bond with the programme".

Countryfile is available on BBC iPlayer