BBC Countryfile viewers perplexed moments into show as it takes unexpected turn

BBC One's Countryfile was back on Sunday night with Joe Crowley and Adam Henson at the helm, but some viewers were left confused as a peculiar topic took centre stage.

Countryfile fans were left baffled during the latest episode as oysters surprisingly stole the show.

The much-loved Sunday evening programme returned with Joe Crowley and Adam Henson steering the ship. Joe headed to Scotland to delve into the Stranraer Oyster Festival, featured on the show.

He delved into the techniques used by fishermen to gather oysters and discovered that an impressive 10,000 oysters were enjoyed by attendees over the weekend.

But with a hefty portion of the episode dedicated to these sea creatures instead of the usual countryside fare, some viewers were left puzzled.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, they expressed their opinions and concerns, as reported by the Express.

One perplexed viewer said: "It's Oyster week on a show that's supposed to be about the countryside."

Another remarked: "After criticism over its Olympics coverage the BBC has gone all in on the Stranraer Oyster Festival."

A third jested: "I can't believe that the BBC managed to secure the TV rights for the Stranraer Oyster Festival."

And another quipped: "They're stretching this oyster story out a bit."

The volume of oysters also caused a stir among fans, with one querying: "If that oyster festival is just over one weekend what happens to the town the rest of the year?"

One person raised concerns about the environmental impact, asking: "Hope the oyster festival is sustainable ...ten thousand oysters consumed in one weekend?"

This comes on the heels of presenter Adam's candid revelation that the farming calendar can be an emotional whirlwind for him and his kin during this critical season. The Gloucestershire-born farmer, who grew up on his family's land, opened up in Countryfile magazine about the upcoming agricultural challenges.

"There's something almost primaeval about the planting, growing and gathering of crops, even in the third decade of the 21st century," Adam said, contemplating the tasks ahead for this year's harvest.

He warned of the high stakes involved in timing the harvest, saying: "If we miss a window of fine weather to get the combines out in the fields, it can be a devastating and costly mistake."

As summer draws to a close, he spoke of the intense period as "the most important, exhilarating, unpredictable, stressful and satisfying period of the entire farming year".

Adam also noted: "The combination of hope, jeopardy and sheer hard graft can make the summer months a rollercoaster of emotions."

Countryfile continues next Sunday at 6.20pm on BBC One and is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer.