Whipping up a storm of chuckles on his Saturday Morning show, ITV chef James Martin couldn't resist poking fun at BBC Countryfile presenter Matt Baker about the unusual way he happened upon his wife Nicola Mooney. The revelation left former Blue Peter host Baker in fits of laughter, confessing it was "love at first sight" for him, while his wife teased she wasn't entirely sure what first drew her to him.
As reported, Matt Baker's idyllic love story initiated during a disco performance at Pier 39 in Cleethorpes where he unexpectedly met his future wife Nicola. Cupid struck when they were both teenagers and thus blossomed their romance.
In hindsight, fans might find Baker's youthful ventures hilarious considering his transformation into a wholesome TV host. Notably, he was part of a comedy dance group named Disco Inferno, adorned in flamboyant cowboy attire including a western hat, brown shirt, and furry waistcoat.
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As young as 18, he assumed the persona of Butch Vendor, an LA bartender, who entertained nightclub goers.
The intriguing backstory tickled celebrity chef James Martin, triggering amusement in contrast with Matt's present-day wholesome image. Teasingly inquired Nicola about their amusing first encounter, her wittily candid response was: "I don't really know, James!"
Fueling more laughter, Matt fondly reminisced, "I was called Butch Vendor and I was a bartender. I used to do all this juggling and stuff. Backflips and somersaults and what have you," cites the Express.
He went on to say: "Basically when I went and said hello to Nicola, I was attracted to her straight away. It was love at first sight for me, of course."
James couldn't resist interjecting with a question: "Can we just go back a second... What were you called?!"
"Butch Vendor," Matt admitted, slightly red-faced. "I was vending in a butch way."
As the friendly teasing continued, Matt told Nicola: "I went over to say hi to you. I went up and said hello and then I disappeared for the rest of the evening and then go and get dressed up for this thing."
Nicola chimed in to clarify: "He was in normal gear when I met him."
Matt carried on with his story: "And after a couple of weeks my mate, who was the DJ of the night and we were all the 70s dancers, he stitched me up. Literally exposed me and revealed who I was! ".
"And that was it," Matt finished, sounding somewhat nostalgic. "We were teenagers when we first met - 17 and 18."
James Martin operates two restaurants at The Lygon Arms in Broadway. Tavern, which aims to create a pub atmosphere with a cosy setting and a variety of snacks, and Grill, with its vaulted ceiling and selection of dishes, is designed for a more formal occasion.
