Last picture of comedy icon and presenter Bill Oddie laughing with family before death aged 85

WILDIFE presenter Bill Oddie was last pictured smiling in a sweet family photo. His musician daughter Rosie Bones posted a photo of Oddie in a happy birthday post to her partner in September 2020. Bill Oddie seen in a family photo that was posted by his daughter in 2020 Credit: Instagram/@rosiebonesx He last appeared on Celebrity Britain by Barge: Then & Now in 2020 Oddie visits the World Land Trust stand, Saving the Atlantic Rainforest, during preparations for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, in 2010 Credit: PA The photographer seen with wife Laura and daughter Rosie when she was a baby in 1986 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd The photo saw him smiling while holding a cup, surrounded by friends and family. The TV star, who found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, sadly passed away aged 85 on Saturday. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! He went on to host wildlife programmes for the BBC, including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch. The birdwatcher last appeared on Celebrity Britain by Barge: Then & Now in 2020. The six-episode show explored the history and wildlife of canals that also featured Jennie Bond, Pete Waterman, and Anne Diamond. Oddie was married twice, and first tied the knot with Jean Hart in 1967 before getting divorced. The TV star, who found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, sadly passed away aged 85 on Saturday Credit: PA Bill Oddie with his partner Laura Beaumont in 1994 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd He had two daughters with Jean, Bonnie Oddie and Kate Hardie, and had three grandchildren, Gracie, Ella and Lyle. In 1983, he went down the aisle with Laura Beaumont-Giles, and the couple had a daughter called Rosie in 1985. Most read in TV Bill and Laura worked together on a number of film scripts and books together. The naturalist was open about receiving a bipolar diagnosis while in hospital and was helped by a lithium prescription. The birdwatcher revealed that he had been suffering from an “almost fatal” condition in 2020. 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 paid tribute to the comedian and television presenter. The tribute read: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder. Oddie with a puffin on the Shetland Isles Credit: BBC The television host seen with bird feeders in 1987 Credit: News UK Ltd “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.” He previously spoke about suffering from crippling depression, which saw him admitted to a psychiatric hospital in 2009, after he was dropped from the BBC show Springwatch. Oddie found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. He was well-known for his wildlife expertise in shows that include Springwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie and Bill Oddie Goes Wild. Oddie pictured at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in 2015 Credit: Alamy Oddie is one of the most famous British bird experts Credit: PA The talented star was born in 1941 and went on to study at Cambridge University, where he quickly fell into comedy production. It was here he met his fellow Goodies hosts, who would later produce a show of the same name that would plunge him into the public eye. One of Oddie’s most famous TV slots was when he featured on Springwatch with co-presenters Simon King and Kate Humble. Oddie is one of the most famous British bird experts, and started out as a birdwatcher during his childhood in Birmingham. He wrote a number of books and articles about birds for publications such as Birdwatch, British Birds and Birdwatching Magazine. He became the president of the West Midland Bird Club in 1999 and in 2003 ran a half-marathon to raise funds for a number of wildlife charities. 3 comments3