Latest news with #Autumnwatch
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Springwatch final episode leaves fans 'sad' after 'savage' scenes
Springwatch viewers were left 'sad' as Springwatch came to a close for this year, with the long-running BBC programme ending its 2025 run BBC viewers were left feeling "sad" and emotional as Springwatch concluded its run for the year. The beloved series, marking its 20th anniversary in 2025, broadcasted its final episode. Presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan said their goodbyes to the nests, while Iolo Williams finished his Northern Irish adventure. Fans expressed disbelief at how quickly the past three weeks had passed, with the team providing a comprehensive summary of various nests and their development. Following last year's cancellation of Autumnwatch due to budgetary constraints, this year's Springwatch kicked off on May 26, airing four times weekly from Monday to Thursday. One viewer lamented on X, "Last episode of #Springwatch tonight, I'm so sad," and another shared, "Last episode of #Springwatch tonight, three weeks have gone quick." Another fan commented, "I cant believe it's the last one already #springwatch," reports the Express. Additionally, a fourth enthusiast suggested online, "We do need a one-off special to celebrate 20 yrs of #Springwatch. With no #Autumnwatch, the savings the BBC have could be used for a one-off special to welcome back all the team & crew for a superb party and memories! Maybe aired across Xmas!". Springwatch has come under fire this week for broadcasting what some viewers have described as "savage" and "distressing" scenes involving a tawny owl and songthrushes. Chris Packham informed the audience that on May 28th, two songthrushes were seen caring for their chicks, which had grown significantly by the end of the week. Chris issued a cautionary note when one thrush left the nest, calling it a "big mistake." The programme then showed harrowing footage of a tawny owl preying on one of the songthrushes, followed by another clip where the owl was seen using its talons to kill the chicks in their nest. The graphic nature of these scenes did not sit well with many viewers, prompting strong reactions on social media. One disgruntled viewer expressed their hope for karmic retribution on X: "Hopefully owl falls out tree and dies #springwatch." Another lamented the fate of the thrushes with a sad post: "Oh no not the thrushes :( #springwatch." A third viewer criticised the show for causing upset among younger audiences: " Well done #springwatch Tens of thousands of children now crying and in distress! They're not all heartless like you. Horrible BBC."
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SPRINGWATCH viewers have slammed the show and demanded bosses warn them before grisly scenes. Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan updated fans on a short-eared owl's next - which was first shown last week. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Countryfile featued an update on a short-eared owl's nest Credit: BBC 4 Viewers have demanded a warning before grisly scenes Credit: BBC 4 Chris and Michaela revealed the developments to viewers Credit: BBC However, the BBC show faced viewer backlash following scenes of one animal's demise. Chris explained: "There were six youngsters in the nest" and added: "Last night there were only two left in the nest." The other four had spread out in a bid to avoid capture by predators. Meanwhile, Michaela admitted the team was "really surprised" upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling. This occurred after "nights of hunger" and the younger chick became "weak and defenceless". Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes and soon shared their reactions on social media. One wrote: "Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time." Another penned: "Ffs that was didn't die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing." A third chimed in: "Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible." While a fourth commented: "Oh my was grim, poor baby." Michaela Strachan looks worlds away from Springwatch as she celebrates family wedding Earlier this year, Michaela, 59, opened up about an off-screen row with Chris, 64. Admitting they are sometimes opposites in their presenting styles, Michaela said in an interview with The Times: 'He has all the facts, whereas I love the stories surrounding a particular nest. "Last year I had to really fight my corner — a buzzard pecked its sibling to death and chucked it out of the nest onto the ground. "Chris and the team wanted to put a camera on all the beasts that were eating it. Everything you need to know about Springwatch Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom It's presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two The show's popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022 Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011 "He was saying, 'It's really interesting.' I said, 'Yes, but it's a step too far. Our audience has invested in that little chick, we don't need to see it now being decimated with a slow-mo camera.' "In the end we didn't have room for the footage." Michaela added: "You've got to keep it a little bit positive.' Springwatch airs on BBC Two and iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes
SPRINGWATCH viewers have slammed the show and demanded bosses warn them before grisly scenes. next - which was first shown last week. Advertisement 4 Countryfile featued an update on a short-eared owl's nest Credit: BBC 4 Viewers have demanded a warning before grisly scenes Credit: BBC 4 Chris and Michaela revealed the developments to viewers Credit: BBC However, the BBC show faced viewer backlash following scenes of one animal's demise. Chris explained: "There were six youngsters in the nest " and added: "Last night there were only two left in the nest ." The other four had spread out in a bid to avoid capture by predators. Meanwhile, Michaela admitted the team was "really surprised" upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling. Advertisement Read more on Springwatch This occurred after "nights of hunger" and the younger chick became "weak and defenceless". Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes and soon shared their reactions on social media. One wrote: "Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time." Another penned: "Ffs that was didn't die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing." Advertisement Most read in News TV A third chimed in: "Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible." While a fourth commented: "Oh my was grim, poor baby." Michaela Strachan looks worlds away from Springwatch as she celebrates family wedding Earlier this year, Michaela, 59, Admitting they are sometimes opposites in their presenting styles, Advertisement "Last year I had to really fight my corner — a buzzard pecked its sibling to death and chucked it out of the nest onto the ground. "Chris and the team wanted to put a camera on all the beasts that were eating it. Everything you need to know about Springwatch Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom It's presented by Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two The show's popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022 Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011 "He was saying, 'It's really interesting.' I said, 'Yes, but it's a step too far. Our audience has invested in that little chick, we don't need to see it now being decimated with a slow-mo camera.' "In the end we didn't have room for the footage." Advertisement Michaela added: "You've got to keep it a little bit positive.' Springwatch airs on BBC Two and iPlayer. 4 Fans shared their horrified reactions on social media Credit: BBC
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
UK's oldest wild White-tailed Eagle dies aged 32
The UK's oldest wild White-tailed Eagle has died aged 32, RSPB Scotland has announced. The eagle, a female named Frisa, hatched in Mull in 1992, where she spent almost three decades raising chicks, becoming a regular on TV nature programmes. She was the daughter of Blondie, who successfully raised the first White-tailed Eagle chick to fledge in Scotland following the reintroduction of the species in 1975. Frisa paired up with her long-time mate Skye in 1997, with the pair raising their first chick in Mull the following year. They went on to raise 25 chicks during 28 years of partnership. In May 2005, Frisa and Skye made their television debut on the first ever episode of BBC's Springwatch alongside their chicks Itchy and Scratchy – named by the pupils of Dervaig Primary School in Mull. Over the next two decades they made many more appearances on the programme, as well as featuring on Autumnwatch, Winterwatch, Blue Peter, Eagle Island with Gordon Buchanan, Countryfile and The One Show. Frisa's death was announced on the latest episode of Springwatch on Monday. RSPB Ambassador Dave Sexton, who spent 21 years working with White-tailed Eagles in Mull, said Frisa had been "a very special bird who had touched the hearts of millions who saw her both on TV and in the wild". He added: "As Frisa got on in years, I dreaded the day I would visit her territory and find her gone. "Sadly, that day has come and I feel like I've lost a friend. "She was a true icon for White-tailed Eagles and she'll always hold a special place in my heart." Frisa has not been seen since last year, leading experts to believe that died of either natural causes or following an altercation with another eagle. Skye has been spotted with another younger female eagle in Mull, which is strong evidence of Frisa's death as White-tailed Eagles usually mate for life. It means that Skye, who hatched in 1994, is now the oldest wild White-tailed Eagle in the UK at 31-years-old. The species became extinct in the UK in 1918, when the last known native wild bird was shot in Shetland. However, a reintroduction project by NatureScot in the Isle of Rum, which began in 1975 using chicks donated from Norway, has seen White-tailed Eagles re-establish a self-sustaining population in Scotland. There are now estimated to be up to 200 pairs in the UK. White-tailed eagles spend a year caring for injured chick Rare white-tailed eagles thrill nature lovers Footage reveals 'miracle eagle chick' in flight
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Springwatch star Iolo Williams' life off-screen from major health scare to family life
BBC Springwatch star Iolo Williams' life off-screen from major health scare to family life Iolo Williams is a well-known face on TV, but the Springwatch star's world was rocked by two major health emergencies Iolo is back presenting Springwatch (Image: BBC ) Iolo Williams, the Welsh naturalist, broadcaster, and writer, is back on our screens for the 2025 series of Springwatch, which continues at 8pm on Tuesday, May 27, on BBC Two. A familiar face on screen, Iolo has presented numerous nature and wildlife series for the BBC and S4C over the years. He is best known for BBC's The Watches, Winterwatch, Springwatch, and Autumnwatch, having joined the popular series as a regular presenter in 2019. He also has his owns series, Iolo's River Valleys, airing at 7pm on BBC Two on Tuesday, May 27. In 2023 Iolo had to withdraw from presenting Springwatch after suffering a heart attack during a six-mile run in the Welsh countryside. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The 61-year-old spoke openly about the frightening experience, which resulted in him having a stent fitted, and later revealed he also suffered from an embolism. In a concerning update from May, 2023, he shared an update on social media from his hospital bed, saying: "Unfortunately I can't co-present @BBCSpringwatch this year. I had a stent inserted in April, which released a clot, that, this week, caused an embolism! "My demise has been greatly exaggerated; thanks to brilliant friends, wonderful family and the excellent @NHS. Go Megan and team SW!". Article continues below Sharing more about the incident later, Williams recounted his routine six-mile jog through the Welsh countryside, unexpectedly ending in a heart attack. Realising immediately what was happening yet far from help, he had to endure a painful walk back to his vehicle, where his phone was left, managing the situation with remarkable fortitude. "It came like a bolt out of the blue," Iolo recounted to The Mirror. "I knew what it was – intense pain under my sternum. It was a heart attack. And I thought well, I can't go down here! So I walked on, crouched a little bit every now and again when the pain got a little bit worse. "Got to my car, phoned for an ambulance and they said it would be 90-odd minutes. So my wife, Ceri, came down, drove me to hospital and from then on I was in the hands of the NHS. They were superb." Iolo with his Springwatch co-presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan (Image: SHARED CONTENT UNIT ) While filming for a new series in Port Talbot, Iolo suffered another medical emergency. He said: "We were about to go in to film and I got in a car, in the passenger seat, and all of a sudden I just couldn't put the seatbelt on. "I couldn't understand why. The driver was asking what's the matter and I couldn't communicate. So they rushed me to hospital 10 minutes away and injected some high-level aspirin in liquid form." A cardiac stent had been previously fitted, which might have attributed to a blood clot leading to an embolism. Iolo revealed: "It went around my body for six weeks and then it jammed in a blood vessel in my medulla oblongata – the left-hand side of the base of my brain. The left-hand side operates the right-hand side of your body so I was paralysed. "But luckily, the NHS jumped into action again and in probably a couple of hours the use of my right arm, right leg had come back. Speech took probably the best part of four or five days to come fully back but there were no long-term ill-effects whatsoever." Iolo recently gave a health update, saying: "I got the use of my arm and my leg back, so I can still walk and do what I enjoy doing, and that was generally what I was thinking. "For me, if I'm going to die, I'd rather die doing what I love, and I love being outside. I love doing wildlife programmes, I love guiding. And if I die showing people a white tailed eagle or die showing people red kites in north Wales, what a way to go." Iolo has been a familiar face on television since the 90s, starting his media career with BBC Two's Visions of Snowdonia. This programme chronicled the lives of six individuals residing and working on the slopes of Wales' highest mountain. Before his days as a presenter he dedicated nearly 15 years to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as the Species Officer for Wales. However, when a second series of the BBC Two show was commissioned in 1999, Iolo chose to leave the RSPB and embark on a full-time media career. Since then, he has presented a variety of shows including Canals of Wales with Iolo Williams, Iolo's Natural History of Wales, Wild Wales, Rugged Wales and Great Welsh Parks. Yet, Iolo is perhaps most recognised for his work on The Watches. Despite a successful television career and a packed schedule, Iolo has also penned a number of books, boasting five publications under his belt. His works include Blwyddyn Iolo (2003), Crwydro (2004), Wild about the Wild (2005), Wild Places Wales (2016), and Wild Places UK (2019). In his spare time, Iolo regularly contributes to several magazines, including BBC Wildlife. Article continues below Iolo and his wife Ceri Williams share a private family life, having two children together but preferring to keep their personal affairs away from the media spotlight. After a heart attack hit him during a run last year, Iolo was grateful for his "brilliant friends" and "wonderful family", praising his wife Ceri's quick thinking in driving him to the hospital when an ambulance was delayed.
