Bill Oddie, the beloved wildlife presenter and former Goodies star, has died at the age of 85. His agent, David Foster, confirmed the death and led tributes, saying: 'It was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.'
Career highlights
Oddie was best known for fronting the BBC's Springwatch from 2005 to 2008 alongside Kate Humble. He began his career as part of the comedy trio The Goodies before moving into wildlife broadcasting with series such as Birding with Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie’s How to Watch Wildlife, Autumnwatch and Wild in Your Garden.
Final TV appearance
He stepped away from wildlife presenting and made his last television appearance in 2020 on Channel 5's Celebrity Britain by Barge: Then and Now. In the six-part documentary, Oddie shared a narrowboat with Pete Waterman, exploring the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Scottish canals near Falkirk, and the Grand Union Canal across Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. They were joined by Jennie Bond and Anne Diamond.
Health battle
In September 2020, Oddie revealed he had been 'very ill most of this summer. Lithium toxicity. Almost fatal! I am still here but very confused about most things! But then aren’t many of us.' He added: 'It fuddles my brain. Confusion. Will I return? I really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX.' Lithium is commonly prescribed for mood disorders such as mania and bipolar disorder.
Personal life and honours
Oddie is survived by his wife Laura, and three daughters: Rosie from his marriage to Laura, and Kate and Bonnie from his first marriage to jazz musician Jean Hart. For his services to wildlife conservation, he was appointed OBE in 2003 and received the RSPB Medal.
