Bill Oddie dies at 85, Goodies star and wildlife presenter

Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85, his agent David Foster announced. Oddie became a household name in the 1970s as one third of the TV comedy trio The Goodies, whose series ran for 12 years beginning in 1970. He later concentrated on wildlife broadcasting, becoming one of the original hosts of the BBC's Springwatch and championing birdwatching and conservation. Foster called Oddie "the country's best-loved birder" and praised his campaigning, writing, songwriting and musicianship, saying his contribution to conservation will never be forgotten. Former Springwatch co-host Kate Humble said Oddie could "enthuse anyone" about the natural world and spoke of his wit, wide interests and openness about struggles with mental health. Jo Rowland, chief executive of the RSPCA, said Oddie inspired wildlife rescuers and called him one of nature's fiercest champions. Oddie was born in Rochdale, grew up in Birmingham, attended Cambridge where he was a member of the Footlights, and wrote for early 1960s satire including That Was The Week That Was before collaborating with figures such as John Cleese and his future Goodies colleagues.