Wildlife presenter Bill Oddie has died aged 85. The news was confirmed on Monday (July 27) by his agent David Foster, who said it was with deep sadness that he announced the passing of the former Springwatch star.
Foster described Oddie as a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. However, he noted that it was never fame that Oddie valued, but rather encouraging respect and protection for the environment.
Agent's tribute
In his statement, Foster said: "It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country's best-loved birder. Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist."
"Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment." He added that Oddie taught people the wonder of the environment and led the way in conservation, with people of all ages and backgrounds responding to his call. "Such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten."
Tributes on The One Show
On Monday's episode of The One Show, presenters Vernon Kay and Alex Jones paid tribute to Bill Oddie before the programme concluded. Vernon Kay informed viewers: "Before we go, we were sad to hear of the death of Bill Oddie today, someone who appeared on The One Show many times."
"As well as starring in The Goodies, Bill also went on to present Springwatch. Our thoughts are with his friends and family."
A life in conservation
Bill Oddie received an OBE in 2003 for his contributions to wildlife conservation. He co-presented the first four series of the BBC's annual Springwatch from 2005, as well as its spin-off Autumnwatch.
Elsewhere in the programme, Fiona Bruce and Phillip Mould from Fake or Fortune discussed the latest series of the hit BBC show. Fiona Bruce shared an emotional moment viewers will see in this series, saying: "The picture that's coming up this week has just got an incredible human story behind it. I actually cried in the programme, which I am embarrassed about."
