Inside Bill Oddie’s health battles including ‘lithium toxicity’ scare after BBC wildlife legend & comedian dies aged 85

BILL Oddie was battling a series of health battles including lithium toxicity before the wildlife legend’s death, aged 85. The iconic conservationist and comedian revealed in 2020 how he had been suffering from an “almost fatal” condition. Wildlife presenter and comedian Bill Oddie has died aged 85 Credit: PA The icon said he had been suffering from an ‘almost fatal’ condition in 2020 Credit: BBC Oddie spoke openly about suffering from crippling depression, and he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in 2009 after being dropped from the BBC show Springwatch, of which he was one of the original presenters. He was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition where depressive periods alternate with manic activity. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! The naturalist was candid about his health battle and spoke of how a lithium prescription had helped manage his symptoms. But in 2020, he issued his fans with an update on social media to say he had become seriously ill with “lithium toxicity”. The naturalist had been open about receiving a bipolar diagnosis while in hospital Credit: News UK Ltd Oddie is survived by his wife and three daughtersCredit: Not known clear with Picture Desk He said: “I am still here but very confused about most things! But then aren’t many of us. “IT fuddles my brain. Confusion. Will I return? I Really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX.” According to the NHS, lithium is a type of medicine known as a mood stabiliser, used to treat disorders including bipolar, mania and depression. However, too much lithium in the blood can trigger serious side effects and inflict damage on your kidneys and other organs. Most read in TV His agent, David Foster, previously: “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.” Speaking in 2014, Oddie 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. 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.” In a statement today David Foster paid tribute to the comedian and television presenter. David 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 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. “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.”