Alex Jones has revealed lockdown ruined Matt Baker's plans to move forward in his career after quitting The One Show last year.
The pair were the regular presenters of the BBC series until Matt, 43, walked away from the role in 2020, admitting he wanted to put his family first.
Alex has now opened up about how her former co-star has been getting on, admitting lockdown put a damper on all his plans for life after The One Show.
She told OK! magazine : "He’s really happy as well, doing his own thing.
"It's been an odd year, obviously. No one could have predicted this [the pandemic] was going to happen, so I think he hasn't been able to get on with as many projects as he was hoping to."
Matt was replaced by stars including Ronan Keating, Jermaine Jenas and Chris Ramsey, who have been presenting the show alongside Alex since he left.
Alex said of her new colleagues: "What I’ve loved is that they’ve all brought their own kinds of flavour to the show.
"Ronan, he's lovely. He's brilliant. You know, we have children the same age, so we have a lot in common.
"And Jermaine Jenas is such a nice guy. It's been great in lockdown to have that change.
"Our viewers have been very loyal. It's lovely that we've been a sort of constant for them, but having that variety has helped to keep things fresh as well."
When he decided to step down, Matt insisted he'd been struggling to balance his work commitments with spending time with his young family - and decided he had to put them first.
Matt and his wife Nicola are parents to two children, Molly and Luke, and when he quit the show last year the telly star said he was looking forward to being able to put the kids to bed each night.
He also vowed to continue with his work on Countryfile and BBC Sport.
Matt said: "I'd like to thank all those I've worked with over the years and especially you the viewer for showing me so much support during my time on the green sofa.
"I'm continuing with Countryfile and BBC Sport and excited about other opportunities that come my way but most of all I'm looking forward to having dinner with my family and being able to put my kids to bed."
Matt has also been working on his own TV show filmed at his family farm near Durham, featuring his wife and kids as well as all their animals.
Announcing the news last month, Matt revealed: "Welcome to Our Farm In The Dales.
"Big news - I've filmed a series back on our farm in Durham with all our animals and my family!
"It's been brilliant. I can't wait for you all to see the place I grew up, its been great fun as I've also produced and directed it...
"I'll keep you posted but as a heads up its coming to More4 soon."
