TV presenter and comedian Bill Oddie dies at 85
BBC News 2026-07-27 10:22:34
Context: Bill Oddie, a renowned TV presenter, comedian, and wildlife expert, has died at the age of 85. Born in Rochdale, near Manchester, and raised in Birmingham, Oddie became a household name in the 1970s as part of the zany TV comedy trio The Goodies, before dedicating his career to wildlife and conservation. He was a multi-talented celebrity, known for his work on BBC TV's Springwatch and other wildlife shows.
Key Facts
- Bill Oddie was born in Rochdale, near Manchester, and grew up in Birmingham before attending Cambridge University, where he was a member of the illustrious Footlights comedy troupe.
- Oddie was made an OBE in 2003 for services to wildlife conservation and was known for his work on BBC series including Birding with Bill Oddie, Britain Goes Wild with Bill Oddie, and Bill Oddie's How to Watch Wildlife.
- He co-presented the first four series of the BBC's annual Springwatch from 2005, as well as spin-off Autumnwatch, before being dropped in 2009, which led to a period of struggle with depression and bipolar disorder.
- Oddie was a member of the comedy trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, which entertained millions of viewers for 12 years with their slapstick comedy and madcap songs.
- Oddie wrote and appeared on numerous programmes, including I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again, At Last the 1948 Show, Twice a Fortnight, and Doctor in The House, often alongside other up-and-coming comedy names like Monty Python's John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones.