Ellie Harrison – who presents BBC One show Countryfile – has revealed that she had her arm scarred with a blade to show her commitment to her partner.

The television personality, who has been with doctor Matt Goodman for 12 years, told The Mail on Sunday that she now has a line of 10 circular marks on her left forearm.

“It’s called scarification,” she said. “You go to someone who is into body art and you get it done. There are only a few places you can go for it in the whole country.

“They’re done with a blade.”

Read more: Springwatch’s Kate Humble’s response to being grilled about having children

Scarification, a form of body modification, involves intentional cutting, burning or abrasion in order to leave scars in a desired design.

The 39-year-old said that her partner, with whom she has three children, was somewhat “shocked” by her decision.

“He was a bit shocked, I must say,” said Harrison, adding that she had gone through the painful experience to show her commitment to Goodman.

“He said he was conflicted, because I’d hurt myself in this pursuit, but he was obviously really quite emotional.”

Harrison added: “We’re not married, but this was my great offering to him. Obviously if he leaves me I’ll have to create a different story about what it’s about!

“He’s the most handsome man on Earth. He’s my beloved and I hope we die together. Not yet. But that’s my wish – that we end up dying together.”

Read more: “When are you going to have kids?” An illustrated guide to the best comebacks

The presenter said that she has previously turned down a wedding proposal from her partner, although she added that she may marry him one day in the future.

“He did ask me but I didn’t see it through,” she said.

“I will do one day. We haven’t done that bit. We’ve done the big stuff, the children, and the scars!”

Harrison has been on BBC One’s Countryfile since 2009, and has also presented Michaela’s Wild Challenge, The One Show and BBC’s Secret Britain.

Images: Rex Features