Lytham farmer Tom set for TV debut - as a presenter

Tom Pemberton of Birks Farm, Ballam Road, Lytham, has more than 350,000 followers across the globe for his regular bulletins about farmlife and earned the Digital Innovator prize at the British Farming Awards in 2018 for his online efforts.

Now, he has been chosen to front a show on the BBC Three channel which producers say will provide “a glimpse into the lives of young farmers in an entertaining new competitive series”.

Called The Fast and The Farmer(ish), it will feature two tractor teams of young farmers from the four home nations per episode competing against each other in a series of driving challenges.

“It’s going to be some summer,” said Tom, who followed his dad Andrew in managing the farm which has been in the Pemberton family for generations.

“I couldn’t believe it when they got in touch and offered me the presenting job. The internet diaries, with an ever-growing audience I’m absolutely delighted with, had obviously caught their eyes.

“The pilot was really enjoyable to do and the producers felt it went well.

“I’m really excited – the series should be great fun. Filming will be in Northern Ireland and I’ll be going over in July, almost straight after our honeymoon, and then again in September.”

The show is the first commission to come out of BBC Three’s partnership with BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen and Tom thinks broadcast looks likely to be next year, after BBC Three returns to Freeview after being internet-only since 2016.

Eddie Doyle, head of content commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, said: “The Fast And The Farmer(ish), shows how rural competitiveness can be converted into high-octane entertainment, that fits perfectly with BBC Three’s core brand. We’re delighted that our work with BBC Three and Northern Ireland Screen has led to this wonderful new series.”

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