Bill Oddie: The Goodies and Springwatch star dies at 85
Paying tribute to BBC Radio 4’s The World At One, Oddie’s former Springwatch co-host Kate Humble said: “No one tells a story like Bill. No one can make me laugh like Bill. No one, no matter who they are, can encourage anyone to go out and get excited about a robin.”
“He had a way of making the natural world everyone’s world, and I think that’s what we all loved about him.”
He said Oddie had many other interests and talents. “He was so interested in so many things. He wasn’t just a nerdy birder, a funny, slightly irascible comedian, or a great musician. He was all of those things. And he was always interested in everything.”
She added: “Sometimes he’d be incredibly grumpy and the last person I’d want to see first thing in the morning, other times he’d be the best friend in the world and talk very openly about his struggles with mental health.”
Jo Rowland, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “I know many of our wildlife rescuers are inspired on animal welfare by Bill’s groundbreaking broadcast work and his incredible knowledge of British birds, which brings the wonders of nature into millions of homes across the country.
“Nature has lost one of its best friends, fiercest champions, and most iconic advocates. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the countless people he inspired to spend time birding, love nature, and build a kinder world for animals.”
