Adrian Edmondson reveals why he is fronting new birdwatching show
After he realised he had reached his sixties without knowing much about the wildlife around him, comic and actor Adrian Edmondson is fronting a new television birdwatching series.
Adrian Edmondson is fronting a new television birdwatching series because he realised he had reached his sixties without knowing much about the wildlife around him.
Describing the gap in his knowledge as “a huge hole in my education”. Adrian, 69, best known for anarchic roles in The Young Ones and Bottom, will appear alongside fellow actor Samuel West, 59, in the forthcoming family-friendly factual series Sam and Ade Go Birding.
The programme will air on Channel 5 and follows the pair travelling across Britain on weekend trips to observe and document birdlife.
Adrian said about why he took the job: “I don’t know how I got to be this old without knowing more about birds. It feels like a huge hole in my education. Sam is going to fill me in. And… we get to go to the pub!”
Samuel, who also stars in All Creatures Great and Small, has been birdwatching for two decades and has recorded sightings of more than 400 British species.
The series will follow the two actors as they travel to several locations across the British Isles in search of different bird species.
According to programme details released by broadcaster 5, the pair will visit West Cornwall to look for Cornish choughs, waders and transatlantic birds blown off course, North Norfolk in pursuit of brent and pink-footed geese and the Somerset Levels to spot kingfishers, egrets and bitterns.
Samuel described birdwatching as a simple activity that allows people to connect with nature.
He said: “Watching birds is a simple pleasure. At heart, it's an invitation to connect with the natural world. All you need is a desire to look, listen and enjoy. A pair of binoculars helps; a friend to share it with makes it even better (especially when they’re as much fun as Adrian Edmondson.)
“I’m thrilled that we get to invite the 5 audience along with us on our travels; they've already proved how tasteful and clever they are by liking All Creatures Great and Small so much. Welcome to the gentle art of noticing.”
The programme is produced by Frank Films and will consist of three weekend adventures focusing on birdwatching and conversations between the two actors.
Kit Morey, commissioning editor at Channel 5, said the series would combine wildlife observation with personal discussions between the presenters.
The TV boss said: “Sam and Ade Go Birding is one of the most heartwarming pieces of televisual joy I’ve had the good fortune to be part of.
“Whilst celebrating Britain’s beautiful birdlife, Sam and Ade share their equally beautiful friendship and remind us that it really is the simple things in life that can bring the greatest happiness.
“Frank Films have creating something truly special, and at a time when the world feels overwhelming, we hope 5’s audiences will welcome this calm, uplifting and extremely humorous escape.”
The synopsis for the programme states between bird sightings the presenters discuss a range of subjects including obsession, ageing, acting, childhood memories, losing a parent and the hobbies that have interested them over the years.
