Natural history filmmaker Mark Brownlow has shared an insight into Sir David Attenborough's wellbeing following concerns over the 100-year-old's health. Sir David was absent from the National Television Awards ceremony last night, but had a speech delivered on his behalf as Mr Brownlow collected the award.
Mr Brownlow said in the press room afterwards that he was delighted by the honour.
Mark Brownlow on Sir David's wellbeing
"He's never lost his humility, his passion for the natural world, and to have this recognition, to know that he's cutting through the noise, and that people are still enjoying what he loves to do, and are receiving his message loud and clear which is to protect the planet, means everything to him," he said.
"We all know that we're at a critical point in the planet's history where the natural world is under an awful lot of pressure - our wildlife is restricted, climate change is making profound impacts. But David offers a message of hope, which is that there's still time to turn things around. We can all play a small part in bettering the world and creating a healthier future."
He said that turning 100 had not slowed him down. "David is like a small kid. He's still as enthusiastic as ever, he has bounds of energy - I don't know how he does it. I don't know what his secret source is, he's still vibrant and excited about life."
Career and recent projects
Mark Brownlow spent more than 20 years with the BBC's Natural History Unit where he worked on some of Sir David's biggest shows, including Blue Planet II and Frozen Planet. He now runs Plimsoll Productions which was behind Sir David's recent hit series Secret Garden.
Sir David said in his speech last night that he hoped to highlight the "terrible plight of our wonderful planet".
He said: "I hope this award is a response to the part television has played in growing recognition, not only for the terrible plight our wonderful planet is in as a result of human activity but also of the fact we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and conserve it."
"I am honoured indeed. We are increasingly aware that if we are to repair the planet we need major national and international initiatives which certainly require our support, but it is also possible to make small differences in our own spaces and neighbourhoods. If enough small differences are made they do add up to doing something significant, while also providing spaces that we do enjoy being in and nurturing."
He added: "Humanity has always needed the natural world for all the practicalities of life and for our mental wellbeing. Now the natural world needs us too. Surely we must not ignore that simple fact."
Award win and upcoming Blue Planet III
Sir David was nominated for two NTAs this year, while his nature documentary Secret Garden was also recognised in the factual entertainment category. He managed to beat Ant and Dec as Best Presenter, with the duo missing out on their once-annual accolade for the second year running. The Geordie duo had an unbeaten streak of 23 consecutive wins of the Best Presenter gong, which was broken last year when Gary Lineker took the award.
Sir David will be returning to screens in the autumn as he narrates Blue Planet III for the BBC. He has already recorded his voice-over for the six-part series, which is returning for a third outing 25 years after the first one aired. This time around, it aims to take the Blue Planet brand "to extraordinary new depths". In 2001, it was the first ever natural history series to take a deep dive into the state of the world's oceans, attracting huge audiences across the globe.
In 2017, the Blue Planet II sequel galvanised a huge campaign to rid the sea of single use plastic, with Sir David even taking to the stage at the Glastonbury Festival to hammer home the point. Where Blue Planet II exposed the threats to the world's oceans, Blue Planet III aims to explore stories of adaptation and resilience, showing both hope and recovery. The first five episodes will focus on the planet's five key underwater habitats: Tropical Seas; Open Ocean; Seasonal Seas; Polar Waters; and The Deep. As is now traditional, the sixth and final episode, Future Seas, will turn to the issue of conservation and examine what further changes must be made.
Blue Planet III was announced by Liz Bonnin and Steve Backshall at an event held at the Royal Albert Hall in May to mark Sir David's milestone birthday. The glittering show included music from the BBC Concert Orchestra and many clips showing iconic moments from his programmes over the decades. Tributes were paid by both King Charles and Prince William, and he was also sent a heartfelt message from Felix Ndagijimana at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Karisoke research centre in Rwanda, giving an update on how they all are doing since his visit there fifty years ago.
