As the nation mourns the loss of one of Britain’s most cherished wildlife voices, new details about Bill Oddie’s final chapter are beginning to emerge alongside a moving statement from his longtime representative, who remembered not only his extraordinary career but the lasting impact he had on generations of nature lovers. While loved ones grieve privately, one touching update about the family he leaves behind has struck an especially emotional chord—reminding many that his greatest legacy reaches far beyond television

WILDLIFE presenter and comedian Bill Oddie has died aged 85, his agent said.

The legendary conservationist and birdwatcher revealed that he had been suffering from an “almost fatal” condition in 2020.

Issuing an update to fans at the time, Oddie said he had become very ill with “lithium toxicity.”

In a statement today, Oddie’s agent David Foster paid tribute to the comedian and television presenter.

David 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.”

The former Springwatch presenter is survived by his wife Laura and daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.

Oddie had previously spoken about suffering from crippling depression, which saw him admitted to a psychiatric hospital in 2009, after he was dropped from the BBC show Springwatch.

The naturalist has also been open about receiving a bipolar diagnosis while in hospital and being helped by a lithium prescription.

He was born in July 1941 in Rochdale, Lancashire, before moving to Birmingham at a young age.

While studying at Cambridge University Oddie would appear in several Footlights Club productions – kicking off his comedy career.

Oddie found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.

He also appeared on the BBC radio series I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again with several of his comedy music compositions also featured on the show.

Later, the television personality would release an album titled Distinctly Oddie.

After a stint writing on various comedy TV series Oddie would team up with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden to co-write and appear in their television comedy series Goodies.

He continued to work with his fellow Goodies on programmes including Bananaman, before turning his attention to nature shows.

Outside of his TV career – Oddie was a birdwatcher since his childhood in Birmingham, and was a respected ornithologist.

He was a council member of the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and The Worldwide Fund for Nature.

Oddie was also president of The Northumberland Wildlife Trust and represented many other nature organisations.

In addition, he wrote a number of books on birds and other wildlife topics.