BBC Countryfile fans demand 'trigger warning' as they fume over unexpected farming scene

Countryfile fans were left up in arms over an unexpected scene after tuning in for the latest instalment of the BBC wildife show.

On Sunday (Februrary 23), hosts Adam Henson and Charlotte Smith returned to the helm as they travelled to the Stirling Bull Sales in the heart of Scotland, one of the most prestigious events in the farming calendar.

Over the course of two days, the broadcasters watched approximately 300 pedigree bulls at the sales auction where bulls are showcased and sold, attracting thousands of buyers, sellers and enthusiasts,e ager to see and bid on the country's finest livestock.

During the teatime show, Adam teamed up with local farmer Graeme Fraser as he prepared his prized Aberdeen Angus bolls for the sale, following their journey throughout the event.

Meanwhile, Charlotte immersed herself in the buying process as she discovered how bidders catch the auctioneer's eye and secure a top-quality bull for their herds.

Fans also met the woman behind the lens, capturing the stunning images of the prize bulls and took a closer look at the dedicated cateres, very and auctioneers who keep the event running smoothly.

But viewers were utterly distracted after Adam gave viewers an insight into the extreme criteria the bulls need to follow to enter the auction, including a stringent health inspection with vet Charles Marwood.

He began: "This is the business end really, it's really important that the bulls have two fully descended testicles which are symetrical with no lumps or bumps and then we measure the testicles.

"Each breed varies with age and circumfrence, and this one is 43 centimetres". Adam asked: "Is that good?" to which the vet replied: "Yes, that's above average for his breed."

Adam added: "And actually, that's where the money is actually, isn't it? Because he's going to produce calves, so that's essential". The vet concluded: "This guy next year should be settling 95% of his females over a nine-week period so if he's not good down there then he won't be reaching those figures".

It's fair to say the unexpected inspection was a shock for viewers, who flooded to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their disappointment online. One user penned: “There needs to be a trigger warning for this show in future #countryfile.”

Another agreed: “I was eating my tea in front of that [shocked emoji] #countryfile” as another quipped: "#countryfile How to mix a load of bull with a load of balls [cry-laughing emoji].”

At the end of the episode, Adam revealed several of Graeme's bulls received a rosette at auciton, making it the most successful visit he's ever had throughout his farming career.

Countryfile airs on Sundays from 7.05pm on BBC One or catch up on BBC iPlayer.