Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85. David Foster said the wildlife presenter and comedian died on Saturday, closing a career that moved from comedy to wildlife television.
Foster described Oddie as “the country’s best-loved birder” and said he was a “multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.” That is the scale of the loss here: one public figure, two very different parts of TV history, and a public record that stretches from The Goodies to wildlife programming.
The Goodies and
In the 1970s, Oddie found fame as a member of comic trio The Goodies alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. He later hosted programmes including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch, giving him a rare span across comedy and factual television.
Foster said Oddie “encouraged us to respect and protect the environment” and added that he “protested, lobbied and campaigned for the environment.” He also said Oddie’s contribution to conservation “will never be forgotten,” which places the death report inside a broader legacy than the usual obituary headline.
Laura and the family
Foster said, “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.” That request sits alongside the public nature of the announcement, and it is the line readers should follow now: keep the family out of contact and let the record stand at what has been said.
The unanswered point is the cause of death. For now, the only firm update is that Bill Oddie died on Saturday at 85, leaving behind a television career tied to The Goodies and wildlife programmes, and a family asking for privacy.
