Latest news with #BBCSpringwatch
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Springwatch's Michaela Strachan rushed to A&E fearing deadly disease
An animal bite in Madagascar led to the Springwatch star being swiftly taken to hospital. BBC Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan has revealed details of her A&E experience following a bite from an animal while she was in East Africa. In a recent interview, the star disclosed that there were fears she had contracted a deadly disease from a bite she suffered in Madagascar. Michaela's bite required a visit to A&E for a vaccination due to concerns that the animal might have been rabid. But despite the urgent situation, Michaela later shared a humorous exchange with a nurse, reported the Express. Michaela told Bella magazine: "I was bitten by a lemur in Madagascar, and they thought it might have rabies, so I went to A&E for a jab, and I said to the nurse, 'Out of interest, why are you laying a bed out for me?' "She looked at her notes and said, 'Oh - bitten by a lemur! I thought it said, 'broken femur!'" Now in its 20th anniversary series, Springwatch returned to our screens on Monday, May 26, filmed from the Peak District. In the opening episode, viewers were treated to a compilation of clips from past shows. The latest edition of Springwatch introduces 'Springwatch Street', a new segment that offers viewers an intriguing peek at the secret life of wild animals on a Sheffield street, including a diversity of species such as hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, and swifts. Fans seem to have been anticipating the show's return, with one saying: "Springwatch at 20! Absolutely love this show! Great recap of the start and all of the amazing presenters that the show has had!" A second commented: "Springwatch is 20 - and I think I've watched every series." Another said it was "lovely" to have the show back, while a fourth dubbed the presenters "national treasures". Meanwhile, another viewer noted the show's Oasis theme (Chris was wearing a bucket hat). Michaela and Chris both hosted The Really Wild Show in the 90s and maintain a close off-screen friendship. Michaela divulged that they often share insights into each other's private lives. The pair also recently admitted that they sometimes disagree on set. According to OK!, Michaela is keen for the show to continue for a further 20 years, highlighting the importance of the natural world to our well-being, although she's also acutely aware of the effects of climate change. She illustrated these concerns by noting the increasing difficulty faced when trying to capture wildlife for the show, highlighting that even in wildlife -managed reserves, finding subjects to film is becoming increasingly challenging. The star also shared her thoughts about what we can do to address this, and it all appears to be down to awareness. She believes it's a case of keeping people "connected" to wildlife and ensuring they understand its importance. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Springwatch's Chris Packham's relationship issues and how he once 'loathed' himself
BBC Springwatch's Chris Packham's relationship issues and how he once 'loathed' himself Chris Packham has been a mainstay of the BBC's nature coverage for more than a decade, but his life has been far from plain sailing Chris Packham is back on Springwatch (Image: PA ) Chris Packham, the renowned naturalist and familiar face of BBC's nature programmes, has been a staple on Springwatch and Winterwatch for over a decade. In addition to his television work, Chris is also an accomplished author and has contributed to several other TV shows, including The Really Wild Show and Birdwatch. He is currently back on screens on BBC Two for the 2025 series of Springwatch. The 64-year-old has also raised awareness for autism, which he was diagnosed with later in life and has recently reacted to comments from a Trump ally who claims to be able to "uncover the root cause of autism". Discussing US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's comments, on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the presenter said he had "mixed feelings" about RFK Jr looking for a cause to what he described as an "autism epidemic". He said: "Firstly, there's no epidemic. What we have done is we've created a wider awareness of this condition (autism) and therefore more people are able, hopefully, to access help. And that has to be seen as a very, very positive thing. "Because people are learning about these conditions on social media, which we all use every day, that's not a bad thing. That's opening our eyes to the fact that these conditions are real and they need addressing and support. "The second thing, as a scientist, I would love to know what has made me an autistic person. My curiosity is in that direction." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Article continues below It wasn't until 2005 when, aged 44, Chris Packham sought therapy, which led to his Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis, which is a form of autism. Drawn from his personal diaries, it's apparent Chris recognised signs of autism long before receiving his formal diagnosis, one that proved transformative for him. In conversation with ITV's Good Morning Britain, he reflected: "I grew up in the sixties and seventies when the condition wasn't widely known, certainly by my parents and teachers. "So, by the time I'd got to the beginning of my teens, and certainly into the early part of my 20s, my mental health issues were quite considerable. "I loathed myself, I thought that I was broken. Clearly, I was in a lesser cohort than most other people, so I blamed myself for everything that was going wrong." Chris has spoken openly about his autism diagnosis (Image: Getty Images ) Chris discussed his struggles in the 2017 documentary film, Aspergers And Me, and he later spearheaded a BBC series titled Inside Our Autistic Minds. In this series, Chris assisted a group of autistic individuals in making short films to communicate with their loved ones how they truly feel and what is occurring within their autistic minds. Born on May 4, 1961, Chris spent his childhood in Southampton. He attended Bitterne Park Secondary School and Taunton's College before pursuing a zoology degree at the University of Southampton. After university, Chris embarked on a career as a wildlife cameraman, which eventually led to his transition into presenting in the 80s. His first major role was on the children's wildlife programme, The Really Wild Show, in 1986. The star landed a BBC presenting gig for Springwatch in 2009 and has since fronted a variety of documentaries, including Chris Packham: Is It Time to Break the Law?, Dogs in the Wild: Meet the Family, and Chris Packham: A Walk That Made Me. Something that might be news to many is that his sibling is among the UK's most prominent designers, with quite the portfolio of celebrity clientele. Jenny Packham, celebrating over three decades with her own brand, has seen her designs grace the silver screen in James Bond features Die Another Day and Casino Royale, as well as being showcased on hit series like Sex and the City and Gossip Girl. Her creations have been donned by the Duchess of Cambridge, not least the dazzling golden dress at the No Time To Die premiere. Stars such as Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, and Keira Knightley have also chosen Jenny's designs for their wardrobe. Chris has found love with Charlotte Corney, who owns and operates Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. The pair have openly expressed that they have no intention to marry or live together. Chris with his partner Charlotte Corney (Image: Daily Mirror ) On The Different Minds podcast, when queried about potential marriage plans, Chris responded: "I would say no. It's all about animals at the moment, we have to concentrate on them. Her tigers are old, my dog Scratchy is old. It's not about us, we have to get through this period basically of aged animals." In conversation with The Guardian regarding how his autism diagnosis in his 40s impacted his relationship, Chris shared insights into why his partnership with Charlotte remained strong, distinguishing it from past relationships that typically ended after five to seven years. He remarked: "They all reached their full term because, as much as I was dealing socially with my neurodiversity, I wasn't dealing with it at home. I couldn't let my guard down and that was always very challenging for my partners. "I have slightly better control of my obsessive personality now. That means I don't totally expose Charlotte to my obsessions and force her to be part of them, which is what I did in past relationships – while at the same time being pretty unforgiving when partners wanted me to do anything they valued and I didn't." Chris Packham, who was previously married to NHS nurse Jo McCubbin, remains close with Megan McCubbin, Jo's daughter from a previous relationship. Meg often joins Chris on his TV shows, including Springwatch. While Chris's precise residence in the New Forest is a well-guarded secret, he is thought to dwell in a quaint cottage accompanied by his two beloved dogs, Sid and Nancy. Article continues below In October, 2021, the wildlife expert disclosed that his Land Rover had been maliciously blown up right outside his Hampshire abode gate. He has also been subjected to death threats in the past, received human faeces mailed to his house, and found dead crows affixed to his New Forest home's fence.
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Springwatch fans distracted by 'silver fox' Iolo Williams' new look as show returns
BBC Springwatch fans distracted by 'silver fox' Iolo Williams' new look as show returns BBC Springwatch has returned to our screens for its 20th series with hosts Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams - who was sporting a beard Wildlife series Springwatch has returned to the BBC celebrating its 20th anniversary with presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan leading the way. Broadcasting from a new location in the Peak District, the duo kicked off the first episode on Monday, May 26 showcasing a montage featuring highlights and past presenters such as Kate Humble and Bill Oddie, harking back to the show's inception in 2005. Donning a bucket hat, Chris Packham enthused viewers with a slew of Oasis references during his welcome speech: "You will want to be here now as we are going to bring you the Champagne supernova of wildlife TV starting tonight." But it was Welsh presenter Iolo Williams and his new appearance that really got fans talking as he chatted to Chris and Michaela in a live link from a rain-drenched Belfast. Iolo Williams unveiled a new look on BBC Springwatch (Image: BBC ) Escape to the Country turns emotional as guest breaks down in tears READ MORE: Sporting a new grey beard, he told viewers: "My beard and I, we're going to take you on a Northern Ireland road trip," then went on to discuss the various locations and wildlife he would be featuring in the upcoming weeks, like foxes and seals. Article continues below "So Chris and Michaela we have got three wildlife-packed weeks coming up for you," he concluded, passing back to the Peak District where Chris was eager to hear Michaela's thoughts on Iolo's fresh look. Iolo without his beard (Image: BBC ) "I know, more rain, more hair - I like it. I almost think you look quite handsome actually Iolo," Michaela shared. While Chris humorously added: "I think he looks like a Norwegian resistance fighter in the Second World War personally." Viewers promptly took to X to share their opinions with one writing: "Liking the beard!" Another posted: "Loving @IoloWilliams2's beard." And one joked: "Silver fox sighting on #Springwatch already, Iolo definitely needs to keep the beard." BBC Springwatch has returned for its 20th anniversary with Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan (Image: BBC ) Meanwhile, fans also rushed to comment on the show in general, with audiences sharing their elation over its return on platform X, reports Gloucestershire Live. One fan expressed: "Springwatch at 20! Absolutely love this show! Great recap of the start and all of the amazing presenters that the show has had!" Meanwhile, another said: "Springwatch is 20 - and I think I've watched every series." Other comments included: "Wonderful #springwatch is back - @ChrisPackham4 and @michaelastracha are national treasures." Another viewer's post read: "Lovely to have #Springwatch back on our screens. And from the #PeakDistrict too!" Also making waves:"Ssshhhh it's finally #springwatch time! Welcome back." Fans were quick to notice the Oasis theme Chris was channeling. One commented: "@ChrisGPackham clearly on an Oasis kick tonight." Article continues below Another observed: "Oasis songs then Chris?" A third spotted: "Sneaky Oasis references in the first 10 minutes." And another noted: "Some might say that Chris is naming Oasis songs." Springwatch is on BBC Two weeknights at 8pm
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Springwatch stars share real truth behind their on-set 'fallouts'
BBC Springwatch stars share real truth behind their on-set 'fallouts' The BBC programme continues to share captivating stories as it marks two decades of exploring nests, badger setts, otter holts and waterways, with Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham BBC Springwatch hosts Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham are marking two decades of the show that shares fascinating insights into the lives of native wildlife, with a special peek into three weeks of activity including nests, badger setts, otter holts, and waterways. Returning next week, the latest series includes an exciting new feature titled Springwatch Street, which explores the secret world of urban wildlife - revealing to viewers the array of creatures such as foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, and even a nest of swifts discreetly coexisting with the human inhabitants. "There will be a lot of surprises," says Michaela, 59. "If you watch your garden in the day, you'll see the birds come, but what comes out at night is going to be really interesting. And what's going on in the undergrowth. It's the small stuff that is always so interesting and hopefully that will inspire people to do even more in their gardens. We'll give tips to encourage people to help particular insects or worms or caterpillars for instance." Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Welsh presenter Iolo Williams (Image: BBC/Jo Charlesworth ) Michaela admits to a deep fondness for fellow presenter Chris, with whom she shares not just screenspace but also a genuine friendship since the days of The Really Wild Show in the 1990s. "Not only are we friends, and we know each other's personal lives, but people have watched us growing up on telly," reveals Michaela, reports OK!. "We're great friends," says Chris, 64. "We know each other really well, so sometimes we may disagree about something, and the team may look at us and think, 'Oh my goodness, the presenters have fallen out!' But we haven't. We don't get upset about those things. We don't have to agree about everything. We just move on. So, the fact that we're great, lifelong, trusted mates helps, but also that we work in very different ways in terms of way that we approach our job." Article continues below Chris and Michaela have worked together for decades (Image: BBC Studios ) Michaela is hopeful that Springwatch will continue for another 20 years as she believes that connecting with nature is crucial for our mental health and wellbeing. However, over the 13 years Michaela has been part of Springwatch, she's observed the impact climate change is having on our wildlife. "I think it's getting more and more important because climate change has changed the world we live in and there is less and less wildlife," Michaela expresses. "Over the years I've done the show, I've seen it's much harder to find the wildlife to film, even in places that are managed for wildlife. Even in managed reserves we're sometimes struggling. And I think we need to keep people connected. "I think that's what it's all about - it's getting people connected to wildlife, making people realise how important wildlife is, and making people realise how good it is for their mental health and wellbeing. Intrinsically, we're supposed to be connected to wildlife. And I think by losing that, we're losing part of ourselves as a human species." Chris agrees that Springwatch plays a vital role in encouraging us to take a break from our daily grind and focus on the world around us. "Springwatch is one of those programmes that gives you the opportunity to stop and think about the little things in life that you may not have spent enough time focusing upon," Chris says. "I love the things that I didn't know sort of existed. Tree slugs for instance, I had seen slime trails up trees when I was a kid but I'd never bothered to come up with the answer. "And then someone said that these creatures live on the ground in the daytime and they go to the tops of the trees at night, and they felt like a complete revelation." Article continues below Springwatch starts on Monday, Mat 26 at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Norfolk midwife says Covid made her grateful for close contact
Before the pandemic, Erica Auger was involved in BBC Springwatch as a communications manager for a wildlife she'd always wanted to be a midwife and when she re-trained, she was looking forward to the close communication she would have with the women she did she realise her first experience of a maternity department would be dealing with a new disease during a worldwide what was birthing like for women during Covid, and what lessons have been learned? Erica's story In 2020, Erica Auger was driving between nature reserves across the East of England. But she wanted a more "varied" and "passion driven" career - and midwifery had always the time her student midwife placement began at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, the pandemic had started and the maternity ward was a different found her skill as a communicator stifled by a face mask."My first feelings were of apprehension," she says."It was scary, and we didn't really know what to expect."She said familiarity and close contact with mothers were key in midwifery and wearing masks made communication extremely difficult. "We were just worried that they [the patients] weren't getting the care they needed because we didn't know how to provide that care and we didn't know what was coming," she describes how midwives had to shower after meeting every pregnant woman who tested positive, and said the sheer numbers contracting the virus meant spending entire shifts with wet the role of student midwives became "extra special", she adds, as they acted as a "bridge", communicating with birthing partners who were no longer allowed onto wards. Ms Auger says she now feels more grateful for the one-to-one contact mothers and midwives are afforded since the relaxation of restrictions."Being pregnant is an extremely special time," she says."But it can often be a vulnerable time in women's and families' lives. So for us to be able to provide the care we want to - in the way that we want to - is really special."But are NHS staff worried they'll have to do it all again?"Being prepared for a second pandemic is like being prepared to have a second baby," Ms Auger says."They're never going to be the same as the one before. All you can do is learn from the first and take those tools with you."Ms Auger says staff built resilience and coping mechanisms, and it was unlikely they would face the same set of circumstances twice. Emma's story Emma Woods describes her first pregnancy and birth, during the pandemic as "isolating".She said her husband Tom, couldn't join her for any of the scans."It was so magical seeing him [baby Arlo] on the ultrasound, I felt really sad that my husband couldn't actually see that," she says."Not having birth partners at scans and appointments was something that should never have happened."The people that had to have the heartbreaking news that their baby didn't have a heartbeat at an ultrasound were on their own, and they can never go back and share that moment."The couple also had to take part in antenatal classes online. Arlo spent the first days of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Her husband wasn't allowed onto the ward and could only stay on NICU for two hours at a Woods says the only time she could take the paper mask off her face was in bed. Self-isolation, she says, continued at home."It was lockdown, so we knew we wouldn't have people round our house," she said. Ms Woods described being on their own in a bubble with their first child as "scary", but also said it was "nice" that they got time together as a family. After the pandemic, Ms Woods missed out on mother and baby groups."I think that's so essential," she says. "It gets you out of the house, it gets you talking."We were ready to sign up to swimming, but it was six months before he [Arlo] could join."She said she "really missed out" on early interactions and the chance to make friends, but she turned it into a positive, setting up a "safe space" for parents, called Little Loves describes it as a chilled-out baby sensory and play session, where parents and children get together in a room filled with tents, baby swings, dimmed lights and mellow music. Ms Woods said giving birth to her second child almost two years ago was a "completely different experience".She had continuity of care with her midwife and gave birth with much less "anxiety".Ms Woods said that the world had "come a long way" since Covid and getting out and spending time with her children "was what she loved about being a mum". Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
