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Wales Online
4 days ago
- 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.
Powys County Times
10-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Iolo Williams spots wild beaver in Powys during BBC filming
Welsh wildlife presenter Iolo Williams described a beaver spotted on the River Dyfi in Machynlleth as 'one of the best wildlife things I've ever seen'. In his new series, naturalist and presenter Iolo Williams described seeing a wild beaver on the banks of the River Dyfi in Machynlleth as a 'hugely significant' spot, with wild beavers having been extinct in Wales for hundreds of years. The BBC series Iolo's River Valleys was filming near Machynlleth along the River Dyfi in search of beavers that had reportedly been spotted in the area, with the crew waiting through days of torrential rain to catch a glimpse of the animal. Going out again on the first dry day, the BBC crew were able to film a wild beaver on the Powys river bank. Spotting the animal, Iolo said: 'We've got a beaver. It's on the far shore, about 20 metres away from me. How fantastic is that? 'The last wild beavers in Wales were hundreds of years ago, but one is over there. It's quite cool and quite calm. It's eating Japanese knot weed of all things. It then came out onto the water. 'There's a very well wooded bank with lots more Japanese knot weed where it's disappeared into. It's gone back onto the bank dragging more Japanese knot weed with him. 'This is phenomenal honestly. This is one of the best wildlife things I've ever seen in Wales.' The wildlife presenter was stunned by the sighting as Beavers disappeared from Britain around 400 years ago after being hunted to extinction. Only in the past two decades has the animal been making a comeback as the animal has gradually been reintroduced to the country, including a number of projects in Wales. The first beavers reintroduced to the wild in Wales were the group released into an enclosure at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve in Powys to help manage crucial peat bog habitats. The second episode of Iolo's River Valleys focusses on the Dyfi Valley, with the presenter travelling to Machynlleth to search for wild beavers. While searching he said: 'Usually with a mammal this rare we'd keep the location a secret. But so many of the locals know that it's been seen regularly on this stretch.' Speaking after spotting one, he added: 'I'm just delighted, absolutely delighted that they're here, back where they should be.'
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Iolo Williams reveals he has encountered a career first
Iolo Williams reveals he has encountered a career first The Springwatch presenter has opened up about the 'career highlight' he experienced when filming his new series Iolo Williams is hosting a new series called Iolo's River Valleys (Image: BBC ) TV star Iolo Williams has revealed a career first as his new BBC series begins. Iolo is back on our screens for a new four-part series called Iolo's River Valleys which follows him as he explores the hidden stories and natural wonders of four river valleys across Wales. In the series he'll be uncovering the incredible wildlife of the Rheidol Valley, the Dyfi Valley, the Conwy Valley and the Vale of Clwyd. Throughout the episodes, Iolo will be met with sightings of rare birds and elusive mammals. He even encounters a career first on his journey. Ahead of the series' release, Iolo said that the biggest moment of the series was when he saw his "first ever wild beaver in Wales". "This was a real highlight, not just of the series, but of my 27 years working within TV. A real highlight," Iolo said. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter "I wasn't actually expecting to see one. The researchers had done their work and they'd said there were rumours to be wild beaver, and I knew myself that there were rumours of wild beavers in one or two locations as well. "We went out and we had a look one evening, and the weather wasn't great, we didn't see anything. But then we went out again when the rain had cleared up and sure enough there it was, this beaver, eating Japanese knotweed of all things. Article continues below "I'll be honest, nobody knows where the beaver has come from, they've been there for about two years, possibly three and it's quite well known locally. But I'm absolutely delighted because this is an animal that we should have back in the wild." Iolo said that spotting the beaver "topped everything" that happened in the series. He added that he also "achieved a childhood ambition" by seeing a pine martin in daylight. Iolo's River Valleys is a four-part BBC Cymru Wales series, produced by Aden. The series was produced and directed by Osian Griffiths and the executive producer is John Gwyn. Speaking ahead of its release, he said: "For the first time we're following four different rivers. We usually confine the series to specific areas but this time we took four different rivers and follow the river valleys from sea to source. I thought I knew Wales quite well, but one or two of these river valleys I hadn't explored for a very long time. "People moan that it rains a lot in Wales, but it's because of that rain that we have such stunning river valleys, streams and waterfalls. Article continues below "Each and every one of them has a different character and each and every one of them is beautiful from source down to sea." Watch Iolo's River Valleys on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer from Tuesday 6 May
North Wales Live
07-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Iolo Williams in furious rant at 'idiot' jet ski riders for seabird incident on North Wales coast
TV star Iolo Williams has slammed jet ski riders after witnessing two 'idiots' blasting through rafting seabirds near a North Wales nature reserve. The wildlife presenter hit out on the eve of his new BBC series exploring the natural wonders of four river valleys across Wales. Iolo was at the RSPB South Stack bird colony near Holyhead, Anglesey, when he said he spotted two people – a man and a woman - on a jet ski hurtling towards cliff nesting sites. Sharing a video clip of the jet ski idling near the cliffs, he vented his frustration at what he saw on Thursday, May 1. Writing online, he said: 'Jet-skiers must be held accountable (and fined heavily) for their actions. These two idiots put hundreds of incubating auks off their nests at RSPB South Stack on Thursday. FFS!!! 'They came in at speed, forcing hundreds of birds of [sic] the nesting cliffs. I was guiding so couldn't get my phone out in time. This was the second incident we witnessed in less than an hour. Jet skis should be banned in sensitive areas.' The North Wales jet ski community immediately launched an internal search to identify the riders via social media. They argued Iolo's video was not conclusive evidence of harm but the community is anxious to pinpoint any breaches of the Marine Code. This promotes responsible behaviour in marine environments. Four years ago, Anglesey Council cited its own Marine Code following a similar incident at South Stack. On that occasion, four jet skis were photographed ploughing through floating birds, fuelling concerns of a rise in their use near wildlife-sensitive areas. After the latest incident, witnesses backed up Iolo's observations. Writing online, a woman said: 'Took off at a speed right through rafts of birds on the sea. Disgusting behaviour. They ignored all attempts to get their attention even though they clearly heard Iolo whistling and shouting at them.' A naturalist with Iolo agreed: 'They came in at speed, went through a raft of birds, thousands of birds left their nests (allowing predation). Then we manged to start filming. 'This is a nature reserve of declining populations of birds, hugely significant area for some. We were stood with a retired wildlife crime officer and his immediate response was they'd just contravened section 1 of the Countryside and Wildlife act 1981.' Bird lovers have called for exclusion around sensitive wildlife sites, with penalties including heavy fines and confiscation of powered vessels. Already, jet skis must be council-registered and display datatag stickers clearly identifying individual craft. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Exploring the river valleys of Wales Iolo posted about the incident a day before the launch of his new BBC Cymru Wales series. Iolo's River Valleys, which began last night (Tuesday, May 6), explores the hidden wonders of the Rheidol, Dyfi, Conwy and Vale of Clwyd Valleys. The four-part series was filmed after Iolo recovered from a heart attack while out on a run two years ago. He encountered rare birds and elusive mammals, from the UK's smallest bird of prey, a merlin, to a rare glimpse of an animal at one point believed extinct, the pine marten. And for the first time in years, beavers were spotted in the Dyfi Valley, giving Iolo an unforgettable encounter with his first wild beaver in Wales. Other wildlife highlights included a whimbrel, a migrant bird, spotted opposite Conwy Castle. From there, Iolo followed an ancient Roman road within Eryri National Park, pausing to visit a historic burial chamber where the melodic song of a redstart – a stunning migrant from Africa - echoed from the trees. Some of Wales' finest woodlands were also explored in the Conwy Valley, from Coed Dolgarrog to Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed. Iolo also visited farmland around Ysbyty Ifan that's among the last strongholds in Wales for breeding curlews, before finishing on the vast Migneint moor to watch a hunting hen harrier. In the final episode, Iolo visits the Vale of Clwyd – of the four valleys, it's an area he knows least about. His journey begins on the coast at a nature reserve between Kinmel Bay and Rhyl. Inland at Rhuddlan, Iolo examines the River Clwyd, modified in the 13th century to supply Rhuddlan Castle. On the slopes below Moel Arthur, an Iron Age hillfort, Iolo hears the call of a cuckoo, and at Moel Famau, he meets an unusually tame raven. From Eyarth Rocks Nature Reserve, his journey concludes at Clocaenog Forest, where Iolo searches for one of the few remaining red squirrels in the area. He said: 'On the Clwyd, adjacent to Rhyl where it runs into the sea, there's a little reserve there, it's a small dune area, and I thought there's going to be nothing here but we had basking lizards, common lizards, there. And Skylarks, flying up above, which was amazing when we were surrounded by houses and factories and busy roads. That was lovely.'
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Iolo Williams in furious rant at 'idiot' jet ski riders for seabird incident on North Wales coast
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info TV star Iolo Williams has slammed jet ski riders after witnessing two 'idiots' blasting through rafting seabirds near a North Wales nature reserve. The wildlife presenter hit out on the eve of his new BBC series exploring the natural wonders of four river valleys across Wales. Iolo was at the RSPB South Stack bird colony near Holyhead, Anglesey, when he said he spotted two people – a man and a woman - on a jet ski hurtling towards cliff nesting sites. Sharing a video clip of the jet ski idling near the cliffs, he vented his frustration at what he saw on Thursday, May 1. Writing online, he said: 'Jet-skiers must be held accountable (and fined heavily) for their actions. These two idiots put hundreds of incubating auks off their nests at RSPB South Stack on Thursday. FFS!!! 'They came in at speed, forcing hundreds of birds of [sic] the nesting cliffs. I was guiding so couldn't get my phone out in time. This was the second incident we witnessed in less than an hour. Jet skis should be banned in sensitive areas.' The North Wales jet ski community immediately launched an internal search to identify the riders via social media. They argued Iolo's video was not conclusive evidence of harm but the community is anxious to pinpoint any breaches of the Marine Code. This promotes responsible behaviour in marine environments. Four years ago, Anglesey Council cited its own Marine Code following a similar incident at South Stack. On that occasion, four jet skis were photographed ploughing through floating birds, fuelling concerns of a rise in their use near wildlife-sensitive areas. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community After the latest incident, witnesses backed up Iolo's observations. Writing online, a woman said: 'Took off at a speed right through rafts of birds on the sea. Disgusting behaviour. They ignored all attempts to get their attention even though they clearly heard Iolo whistling and shouting at them.' A naturalist with Iolo agreed: 'They came in at speed, went through a raft of birds, thousands of birds left their nests (allowing predation). Then we manged to start filming. 'This is a nature reserve of declining populations of birds, hugely significant area for some. We were stood with a retired wildlife crime officer and his immediate response was they'd just contravened section 1 of the Countryside and Wildlife act 1981.' Bird lovers have called for exclusion around sensitive wildlife sites, with penalties including heavy fines and confiscation of powered vessels. Already, jet skis must be council-registered and display datatag stickers clearly identifying individual craft. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday (Image: Ben Porter) Exploring the river valleys of Wales Iolo posted about the incident a day before the launch of his new BBC Cymru Wales series. Iolo's River Valleys, which began last night (Tuesday, May 6), explores the hidden wonders of the Rheidol, Dyfi, Conwy and Vale of Clwyd Valleys. The four-part series was filmed after Iolo recovered from a heart attack while out on a run two years ago. He encountered rare birds and elusive mammals, from the UK's smallest bird of prey, a merlin, to a rare glimpse of an animal at one point believed extinct, the pine marten. And for the first time in years, beavers were spotted in the Dyfi Valley, giving Iolo an unforgettable encounter with his first wild beaver in Wales. Other wildlife highlights included a whimbrel, a migrant bird, spotted opposite Conwy Castle. From there, Iolo followed an ancient Roman road within Eryri National Park, pausing to visit a historic burial chamber where the melodic song of a redstart – a stunning migrant from Africa - echoed from the trees. Some of Wales' finest woodlands were also explored in the Conwy Valley, from Coed Dolgarrog to Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed. Iolo also visited farmland around Ysbyty Ifan that's among the last strongholds in Wales for breeding curlews, before finishing on the vast Migneint moor to watch a hunting hen harrier. In the final episode, Iolo visits the Vale of Clwyd – of the four valleys, it's an area he knows least about. His journey begins on the coast at a nature reserve between Kinmel Bay and Rhyl. Inland at Rhuddlan, Iolo examines the River Clwyd, modified in the 13th century to supply Rhuddlan Castle. On the slopes below Moel Arthur, an Iron Age hillfort, Iolo hears the call of a cuckoo, and at Moel Famau, he meets an unusually tame raven. From Eyarth Rocks Nature Reserve, his journey concludes at Clocaenog Forest, where Iolo searches for one of the few remaining red squirrels in the area. He said: 'On the Clwyd, adjacent to Rhyl where it runs into the sea, there's a little reserve there, it's a small dune area, and I thought there's going to be nothing here but we had basking lizards, common lizards, there. And Skylarks, flying up above, which was amazing when we were surrounded by houses and factories and busy roads. That was lovely.' Iolo's River Valleys is on BBC One Wales at 7pm on Tuesdays. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
