BBC Countryfile viewers left speechless as football legend makes unexpected appearance

Countryfile fans were absolutely gobsmacked when former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman popped up unexpectedly on the beloved BBC programme.

During Sunday's (September 7) episode, presenters Matt Baker and Sammi Kinghorn returned to our screens as they discovered how north Devon locals have assisted the Eurasian otter in recovering from the brink of extinction.

The pair were accompanied by several guests who discovered tranquillity along the serene waterways, observing the creatures that inhabit them.

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Yet it was one particular guest who caught viewers off guard as the football icon featured on the popular show, sharing his love for fly-fishing.

Following his retirement from professional football, he mentors Arsenal's aspiring goalkeepers, but away from the pitch he's established quite a name for himself as a riverside expert, reports the Express.

Beside the stunning River Torridge, David, who graced the field for more than ten years, left Matt astounded when he disclosed that ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne had given him his fishing rod.

David revealed: "I used to go with my very special friend, Mr Gascoigne. You know, I used to take him fishing during Euro '96 and he actually bought me this rod."

Matt was flabbergasted as he exclaimed: "No way!". David continued: "In Euro '96, he bought me... Well after Euro '96 he bought me that."

The television host interjected: "Seriously. Well what a lad" to which David added: "It's very special and I've caught quite a few trout on that."

David also said that fishing was an important escape for him during the height of his career.

He told Matt: "Just to get away from football because it's all encapsulating and consuming. You're just sat in hotels waiting. You'll go to all these different countries, you'll see the airport, hotel, stadium then you're back on the plane."

Viewers at home were quick to share their reactions online, with one writing on X, previously known as Twitter: "Didn't have fly fishing with David Seaman on my Sunday night TV bingo card. #CountryFile."

Another remarked: "Never thought I'd be watching David Seaman fishing on a Sunday evening... #Countryfile." A third posted: "David Seaman fishing for expensive jars of jam. How random #countryfile."

Another observed: "David Seaman's still as smiley and jovial as always! #countryfile."

Meanwhile, another viewer added: "David Seaman #flyfishing was not on my bingo card for today #Countryfile!".

You can catch up on Countryfile on BBC iPlayer and it airs on Sunday on BBC One.