Well, that explains it.
I have no problem with people liking him but I immediately picked up on his lack of background (without knowing it). I love working-class men and most of them don’t have that slick demeanor. Which is probably why I like Tommy Robinson.
I think this interview might change your mind. He speaks of his grandfather (or father? Sorry, Oldtimer’s disease!) being a terrific carpenter after quitting school in the 7th grade, & then learned multiple other trades. Mike wanted to do the same, but did not have the knack. He explains a lot of his history & how he ended up doing the show. It really is well worth your time to watch.
Rowe has a youtube thing out there (from a graduation speech?) about “following your passion”. No - follow what you do well!
Mike tells the story of how his “passion” was to be a woodmaker like his Grandfather - making furniture, art, etc. Except that he was REALLY lousy at it! IIRC - what he WAS good at was singing - and he became an opera singer or something. And I suppose his good voice got him into radio/TV.