COUNTRYFILE paid tribute to a former guest star on Sunday night following news he had sadly died.
Climber Pete joined Helen Skelton on an episode of Countryfile back in 2020, sharing off his love of climbing as they headed to the Peak District together.
Pete had made a name for himself in the area as a local icon, having become known for frequenting the area and hiking.
Helen introduced Pete by telling viewers: "When he's not in his favourite chair at the pub, local climbing legend Pete can be found dangling from rocks like these."
Joining Pete and his friends Olly and Crystal, the group climbed the mountains together, with Helen admitting she struggled to begin with.
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He then encouraged her telling her she "did good".
As they finished their climb, Helen took in the amazing views as Pete declared her an official member of the Tuesday Club.
"How do you celebrate, how do you warm up?" she then asked him. Naturally, he had a traditional English response - to go for a pint at his pub, The Angler's Rest.
At the end of the segment, which aired again on Sunday night's episode of the BBC2 favourite, Helen declared Pete "a joy" and shared a hug with him.
However, the repeated moment was tinged with sadness as this week's special – which aptly focused on climbing gear and hiking in intense temperatures – cut back to this week's host, Ellie Harrison.
"Sadly, since filming, Pete has passed away," Ellie informed viewers. "But his rock climbing adventures continue to inspire.."
The poignant moment came amid a divisive episode of Countryfile, with long-time fans complaining the show had turned into a fashion segment as they dedicated the episode to outdoor clothing and Ellie making bootwear.
Next week, John Craven and Matt Baker will be taking over presenting duties for a special on "vanishing villages".
They will be heading to the east coast of England to find out how storms are devouring the coastline.
Adrian Chiles also rolls up his sleeves to find out what it takes to be a hill farmer.
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Countryfile airs Sundays at 6pm on BBC Two.
