Chris Packham to host TV's Springwatch
TV zoologist Chris Packham will fill Bill Oddie's boots as the new presenter of the Springwatch programme on its return to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve in May.
TV zoologist Chris Packham will fill Bill Oddie's boots as the new presenter of the Springwatch programme on its return to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve in May.
The 48-year-old broadcaster, photographer and conservationist said it was a 'dream come true' to co-host the BBC's flagship wildlife show.
Mr Packham began his TV career in 1985 as a presenter of The Really Wild Show and has since appeared in more than 500 programmes - most recently on Nature's Calendar and Nature's Top 40.
But his wildlife CV extends beyond the glare of the cameras, with roles as vice-president of the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust helping to install him as a favourite for the Springwatch job.
He will co-host the programme with Kate Humble, who said she was looking forward 'immensely' to building a new on-screen partnership.
The new appointment follows January's announcement that popular twitcher Oddie, 67, was quitting the show, which attracted over four million viewers last year.
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Mr Packham said: 'It's a great pleasure to become part of such a successful programme and one that ticks all my boxes when it comes to revelling in the wonders of British wildlife and engaging with a live and enthusiastic audience.
'For me it's all about getting the young and the casually interested on board and empowering them to connect with the real wildlife that lives around them, and Springwatch is undoubtedly TV's best vehicle for this.
'Bill Oddie has been a great friend and mentor for many years and he will be sadly missed by the Springwatch viewers but I'm looking forward to working with Kate and a fantastically enthusiastic team to inject my own brand of passion for wildlife into the series. I can't wait to get started.'
Other hosts Simon King and Gordon Buchanan will be joined by series producer Martin Hughes-Games, who will make his debut in front of the camera by joining the presenting team.
Emma Swain, the BBC's head of knowledge commissioning, said: 'I'm delighted Chris is bringing his in-depth knowledge and presenting skills to the team.
'And it's great that having made such and important contribution to these programmes behind the scenes we're able to share Martin's experience with the viewers.'
