Wildlife presenter and comedy legend Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85
Oddie's agent hailed him as "Britain's best-loved birder".
By Nick Reilly
Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85, his agent has confirmed.
In a statement, David Forster hailed Oddie’s “intelligence and wit” and hailed him as “Britain’s best-loved birder”.
Mr Foster said: “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 taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it.”
Oddie was known as one of Britain’s most celebrated wildlife presenters, but initially found fame as one third of BBC comedy trio The Goodies, alongside the late Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.
He famously presented BBC Springwatch and his successor, Chris Packham, was among those leading tributes.
Chris Packham, Oddie’s successor on Springwatch, wrote on social media, external: “Sadly we’ve not only lost a goodie, we’ve lost one of the besties.”
In his tribute, Packham said: “A renegade polymath with binoculars and a beard, Bill was invariably funny and occasionally furious. He loved birds and loathed those who harmed them. He was delightfully unpredictable, sparky, smart and at times a bit spiky.
“Critically he really knew his stuff, and his passion was true – he didn’t just pick up his binoculars on telly, he went birding whenever he could. So he was genuine and that’s why we loved him.”
Oddie was also former vice president of the RSPCA, and the animal charity’s current chief executive Jo Rowland said in a tribute: “I know many of our wildlife rescuers were inspired into animal welfare by Bill’s groundbreaking broadcasting work and incredible knowledge of British birds, which brought the wonders of nature into millions of homes across the country.
“Nature has lost one of its best friends, fiercest champions and most iconic defenders.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the countless people he inspired to spend time birdwatching, to cherish nature, and to build a kinder world for animals.”