Bill Oddie dead aged 85: Legendary wildlife presenter and comedian dies as tributes pour in

WILDLIFE presenter and comedian Bill Oddie has died aged 85, his agent said. The legendary conservationist and birdwatcher previously revealed that he had been suffering from an “almost fatal” condition in a social media post in 2020. Oddie is survived by his wife and three daughters Credit: BBC The naturalist had been open about receiving a bipolar diagnosis while in hospital Credit: PA:Press Association Issuing an update to fans at the time, Oddie said he had become very ill with “lithium toxicity.” In a statement today, Oddie’s agent David Foster paid tribute to the comedian and television presenter. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! 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. Oddie had previously spoken about suffering from crippling depression Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Oddie found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies Credit: News UK Ltd “Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment. “He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it. “He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten. “As Bill’s agent I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly. Most read in TV “My thoughts and love are with Bill’s wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie, who have asked not to be contacted at this sad time. Please respect their wishes.” Oddie had previously spoken about suffering from crippling depression, which saw him admitted to a psychiatric hospital in 2009, after he was dropped from the BBC show Springwatch – of which he was one of the original presenters. The naturalist had also been open about receiving a bipolar diagnosis while in hospital and being helped by a lithium prescription. Speaking in 2014, he said he still felt a lingering sadness that his days on Springwatch were cut short, and he rarely watched the programme. He said: “I very much miss it, but when I do see it, it brings back many happy memories and I like to think I contributed to its success. “It’s still so well loved and helps encourage people to enjoy the natural world. In 2003 Oddie was awarded an OBE for his service to wildlife conservation Credit: Alamy Oddie teamed up with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden to co-write and appear in their television comedy series Goodies Credit: Rex Features Bill Oddie was last pictured smiling in a sweet family photo Credit: Instagram/@rosiebonesx In 1983 the legendary TV presenter remarried – tying the knot with Laura Beaumont-Giles Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd “That’s all to the good because I fear so many people wear earphones for their phones and music players that increasingly they miss out on everyday joys like birdsong. “My plea to people would be to ‘go naked’ occasionally – take off those earpieces so you hear nature and, of course, birdsong. You may not realise how precious it is until it’s gone.” Oddie was born in July 1941 in Rochdale, Lancashire, before moving to Birmingham at a young age. While studying at Cambridge University, Oddie would appear in several Footlights Club productions – kicking off his comedy career. He found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. He also appeared on the BBC radio series I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again with several of his comedy music compositions also featured on the show. Later, the television personality would release an album titled Distinctly Oddie featuring his comedy compositions. After a stint writing on various TV series, Oddie would team up with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden to co-write and appear in their television comedy series The Goodies. He continued to work with his fellow Goodies on programmes including Bananaman, before turning his attention to nature shows. Outside of his TV career – Oddie was a birdwatcher and had been since his childhood in Birmingham – he was also a well- respected ornithologist. He was a council member of the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and The Worldwide Fund for Nature. Oddie was also president of The Northumberland Wildlife Trust and represented many other nature organisations. In addition, he wrote a number of books on birds and other wildlife topics. In 1966 Oddie married Jeanne Hart and the couple had two children together – including actress Kate Hardie – but later divorced. In 1983 the legendary TV presenter remarried and he and his second wife Laura Beaumont-Giles worked together on a variety of projects for children including film scripts, puppet shows and books. The couple had a daughter, Rose, in 1985 and lived in Hampstead, London. Oddie had suffered with mental health issues throughout his life, and in March 2009 he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. David Foster said at the time: “Bill gets these bouts every two or three years where he gets down for about two weeks and recovers. “He sometimes goes into hospital or takes a break or has a change of scenery to recharge his batteries.” In 2003 Oddie was awarded an OBE for his service to wildlife conservation and he is a recipient of the RSPB Medal. The BBC said: “We are saddened to hear the news about the death of Bill Oddie. Bill had a long association with the BBC and was a much-loved comedian, naturalist and broadcaster. “His career spanned generations, from being a member of comedy trio The Goodies right through to embracing his passion for the natural world and establishing himself as one of the UK’s best known wildlife presenters. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.” The former Springwatch presenter is survived by his second wife Laura and daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie. 1 comment1