Michaela Strachan: 'When I first met Chris Packham, I thought he was going to hate me'
Michaela Strachan worried she and Chris Packham would not get on before they met on The Really Wild Show in 1993.
Michaela Strachan feared Chris Packham would "hate" her before they met on The Really Wild Show.
The TV presenter, 60, panicked that her energetic persona and his "edgy and geek" character may have sparked friction between them when she joined Chris, 64, on the CBBC nature show in 1993, but, instead, they forged a strong friendship.
Michaela told the new issue of Radio Times magazine: "What Chris and I have is unique and special.
"When I first met him, I thought he was going to hate me. He was funky, edgy, a geek. He liked the Clash, I liked Kylie. I thought, 'Jeez, how's this going to work?'"
Michaela said she has learnt lots about her Springwatch co-host's Asperger’s syndrome - a type of autism that makes social interactions difficult, as well as behaviour and interests repetitive.
She added: "When I see him, I give him a hug, and he stands there looking awkward, but he loves it because it's me."
Although Chris can deal with Michaela's high energy, others cannot.
The Dancing on Ice 2025 runner-up said: "People often ask, 'How have you lasted so long?' You've got to turn the volume up a bit, but, ultimately, you have to be authentic.
"I know that my enthusiasm irritates some people because I read the mean comments online.
"I remember someone saying, 'I always thought she was rubbish, she's still rubbish, I don't know how she's still on television.'
"I felt like writing back and saying, 'Well, here I am, so your opinion must be the minority, mate.'"
Michaela turned 60 on April 7, and retirement is not on the cards for the star - who has son Ollie, 21, with her partner, Nick Chevallier, and is stepmum to his children, Jade, 38, and 36-year-old twins Tom and Sam.
The Countryfile star explained: "There are a lot of people who retire or are empty nesters, and they can lose their purpose.
"I'm lucky because I'm 60, and I'm still working and passionate about what I do. Also, the four kids are grown up, but two of my stepchildren and their partners and babies are living with us at the moment, so we weren't empty nesters for long.
"Go find your new community, your new identity."
