Chris Packham has lead tributes to the late Bill Oddie

Chris Packham has led tributes to Bill Oddie.

The 65-year-old naturalist-and-TV presenter said it was an "utter joy" to be in the company of the 85-year-old wildlife presenter, hours after Bill's death was announced by his friend-and-agent, David Foster, on Monday (27.07.26).

Chris - who replaced the comedian on BBC's Springwatch in 2009 - posted a joyous shot of Bill on his Instagram page, with the caption: "A renegade polymath with binoculars and a beard, Bill was invariably funny and occasionally furious.

"He loved birds and loathed those who harmed them. He was delightfully unpredictable, sparky, smart and at times a bit spiky.

"Critically he really knew his stuff, and his passion was true – he didn’t just pick up his binoculars on telly, he went birding whenever he could.

"So he was genuine and that’s why we loved him, he never needed a script, and took scant interest in any he was given.

"He didn’t like rules and often neglected to play by them. This may have frustrated the serious and the worthy but it always amused his audience - he was an utter joy to be with.

"I recall finding a Black Woodpecker in a damp Dutch park with him once, he gazed at it intently, sighed, put down his bins, turned to me and just smiled. A massive grin. No words, just a beautiful childlike bliss.

"That says all you need to know about Bill Oddie.

"Sadly we’ve not only lost a goodie, we’ve lost one of the besties. (sic)"

Actor-and-singer Robin Askwith, 75, hailed Bill as a "terrific bloke" on X.

He penned alongside a smiley photo of the late star: "So sorry to hear about Bill Oddie… A terrific bloke who survived many challenges…

"I met him first when I auditioned for Doctor In The House in 1968,which he co-wrote in the early years.

"RIP Bill (sic)."

Fans also flooded social media with tributes to Bill, as one penned on X: "Saddened to hear of the death of Bill Oddie. The Goodies was my favourite sketch comedy show of that generation."

A second supporter typed on Instagram: "Loved Bill Oddie. A real talent in so many ways. I remember The Goodies. Go to telly in my childhood. (sic)"

And a third follower wrote on Facebook: "The Goodies gave me years of laughter. Thank you Bill."

Bill's friend-and-agent, David Foster, announced his death on Monday (27.07.26).

He 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. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.

“He 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.

“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."

Born in Rochdale, Lancashire, in July 1941, but moved to Birmingham at a young age, Bill shot to fame in the 1970s as a member of the comedy trio, The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor, who died in April 2020 at the age of 79, and Graeme Garden.

Bill went on to become a beloved wildlife presenter for the BBC, fronting shows such as Springwatch and Autumnwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie, and Bill Oddie Goes Wild.

In 2017, the TV ornithologist starred in The Real Marigold Hotel - based on the 2011 film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - and while filming the corporation's travel documentary series in Kochi, India, he almost died after drinking turpentine, which he mistook for water.

Bill told The Mirror: "I nearly killed myself after that painting thing.

"At the beginning of the evening one of the guys knocked on the door and put what I thought was a glass of water by my bed but it was turps, and I was drinking it. It could have killed me."

And in September 2020, the entertainer told fans he nearly died of "lithium toxicity" that summer.

Bill penned on Twitter - now called X: "Just so you know, I have been very ill most of this summer. Lithium toxicity. Almost fatal!

"I am still here but very confused about most things! But then aren't many of us. IT fuddles my brain.Confusion. Will I return ? I Really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX (sic)."

Bill is survived by his 70-year-old wife, visual artist Laura Beaumont, and daughters, actress Kate Hardie, 58, choreographer Bonnie Oddie, and 41-year-old musician Rosie - also known as Rosie Bones.