BREAKING NEWS: Sky News halted for devastating breaking news as d3ath announced
Sky News interrupted its regular programming to bring viewers a breaking update. Gareth Barlow halted the programme to announce that BBC wildlife presenter Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85. “Breaking news to bring you now. Just hearing that the wildlife presenter and comedian Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85,” the presenter declared.
He then read out the statement by Oddie’s agent, David Foster, which 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.”
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Sky News announced the death of wildlife presenter and comedian Bill Oddie (Image: Getty)
Oddie’s agent praised him for inspiring people to respect and protect the environment, highlighting his lifelong commitment.
The statement continued: “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.”
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The Sky News presenter added: “Known for his work with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden as The Goodies. He worked alongside Michael Palin as well. A product of The Cambridge Footlights, a product of Lancashire as well.
“An individual that you will have seen in both comedy performances in, but most notably in latter years, and for so many of those years, in and amongst wildlife and conservation including Springwatch and Autumnwatch, How to Watch Wildlife, Wild in Your Garden, Birding with Bill Oddie etcetera.
Sky News came to a halt to announce the tragic news (Image: Sky News)
“There were so many programmes, so many moments where he shared his love of wildlife, in particular birds. ‘The country’s best-loved birder’.”
Oddie was famed for his role in the TV series The Goodies, starring alongside Brooke-Taylor and Garden for 10 years between 1970 and 1980. The show was later revived by ITV for a Christmas special in 1981, followed by a six-part series that aired in 1982.
An avid bird watcher for most of his life, Oddie moved into natural history television during the 1970s and 1980s, going on to present a number of wildlife programmes for the BBC and publish several books on conservation.
Oddie received an OBE in 2003 for services to wildlife conservation, and was a recipient of the RSPB Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Laura, and three daughters, Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.
