From Newsgroup: alt.obituaries
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bbc-david-foster- australia-new-zealand-birmingham-b3022118.html
Wildlife presenter and Goodies star Bill Oddie dies aged 85
The comedian presented a string of nature shows for the BBC.
Laura Harding Monday 27 July 2026 12:46 BST
Wildlife presenter and Goodies star Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85,
his agent has said.
The TV star, who found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The
Goodies alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, died on Saturday.
He went on to host wildlife programmes for the BBC, including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
A statement from his friend and agent David Foster said: rCLIt is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the countryrCOs best-
loved birder.
rCLBill was a multi-talented celebrity rCo wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.
rCLYet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.
rCLHe 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.
rCLAs BillrCOs 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.
rCLMy thoughts and love are with BillrCOs wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie, who have asked not to be contacted at this sad
time. Please respect their wishes.rCY
The BBC said: rCLWe 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.
rCLHis 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 UKrCOs best known wildlife presenters.
rCLOur thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.rCY
A birdwatcher since his childhood in Birmingham, Oddie was a respected ornithologist.
He was a council member of the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and
The Worldwide Fund for Nature. He 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.
His comic career began in Cambridge Footlights, when he started writing
for shows including That Was The Week That Was.
He went on to write and appear on numerous programmes including IrCOm Sorry IrCOll Read That Again, which featured many of his comic songs.
He first found fame as a member of The Goodies and the trio earned
household name status in Australia and New Zealand, as the television
comedy show attracted millions of viewers in its heyday.
His songs led the Goodies to several major chart hits, most notably The
Funky Gibbon.
He continued to work with his fellow Goodies on programmes including Bananaman, before turning his attention to nature shows.
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.
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: rCLI 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.
rCLItrCOs still so well loved and helps encourage people to enjoy the natural world. ThatrCOs 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.
rCLMy plea to people would be to rCygo nakedrCO occasionally rCo take off those
earpieces so you hear nature and, of course, birdsong. You may not realise
how precious it is until itrCOs gone.rCY
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