BBC Countryfile viewers baffled as oysters take centre stage in latest episode

BBC viewers were left rather bemused during the latest edition of Countryfile, as they claimed that one 'unusual' item seemingly dominated the episode.

Countryfile enthusiasts were left scratching their heads in confusion during the show's most recent outing as oysters unexpectedly took centre stage.

The beloved Sunday staple returned with presenters Joe Crowley and Adam Henson at the helm. Joe journeyed to Scotland for an insight into the renowned Stranraer Oyster Festival on the programme.

There, he explored the methods fishermen use to harvest oysters and found out that a staggering 10,000 oysters were savoured by festivalgoers across the weekend.

However, due to the episode devoting a significant chunk of its airtime to the molluscs rather than the traditional rural topics, bewilderment ensued amongst some watchers.

Turning to X, previously known as Twitter, they aired their views and reservations, reports the Express.

A disconcerted viewer remarked: "It's Oyster week on a show that's supposed to be about the countryside."

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

Meanwhile, a third scribbled: "I can't believe that the BBC managed to secure the TV rights for the Stranraer Oyster Festival." Yet another added: "They're stretching this oyster story out a bit."

Some fans also shared their befuddlement about the sheer quantity of oysters available, with one poser asking: "If that oyster festival is just over one weekend what happens to the town the rest of the year?"

And one queried in tandem: "Hope the oyster festival is sustainable ...ten thousand oysters consumed in one weekend?"

The news follows presenter Adam's recent admission that the farming calendar brings a "rollercoaster of emotions" for him and his family at this particular time of year for farming. The Gloucestershire native, who was born and raised on his family's farm, shared his thoughts on what's to come in Countryfile's magazine.

"There's something almost primaeval about the planting, growing and gathering of crops, even in the third decade of the 21st century," Adam expressed, while musing over this year's farming tasks.

"If we miss a window of fine weather to get the combines out in the fields, it can be a devastating and costly mistake."

Reflecting on the end of summer, he described the culmination of months of crop nurturing as "the most important, exhilarating, unpredictable, stressful and satisfying period of the entire farming year".

He further commented: "The combination of hope, jeopardy and sheer hard graft can make the summer months a rollercoaster of emotions."

Catch the next instalment of Countryfile on Sunday at 6.20pm on BBC One, with episodes also available on BBC iPlayer.