Latest news with #Springwatch
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michaela Strachan opens up about 'extremely brutal' double mastectomy surgery after breast cancer diagnosis
Michaela Strachan has opened up about her double mastectomy during an appearance on Vanessa on Friday, describing the procedure as 'extremely brutal'. The Springwatch presenter, 59, was 'shocked' to hear she had been diagnosed with breast cancer over a decade ago at the beginning of 2014. Luckily she went onto make a full recovery after undergoing a double mastectomy and later reconstructive surgery. Now Michaela has discussed the emotional toll the 'archaic' procedure took on her, revealing she hopes in 50 years a better method of treatment will have been found. Speaking to host Vanessa Feltz, 63, on her Channel 5 show Vanessa, the much-loved wildlife expert said: 'My boobs were never a big part of my personality, but when they said they were going to take them away, they suddenly became more important than I thought they were. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It's hard, you go through these things and you think you're going to be fine and it's not until afterwards that you realise emotionally it's a big thing. 'I really hope that in 50 years time we look back at removing a woman's boobs as part of the treatment as archaic because there must be a better way.' Michaela was asked by Vanessa whether the procedure is 'too brutal', to which she replied: 'It's brutal! 'To take a woman's breasts away is brutal. Of course, I'd rather not have boobs and be here than have them and be worried that cancer is going to come back. 'But it just seems extremely brutal.' Michaela too spoke to the host about recovering from her double mastectomy, a procedure which almost 15,000 women in the UK undergo every year. 'It's a six week recovery from the mastectomy and six weeks when you have the reconstruction,' she said. 'There's lots of physio exercises that you do but, you know what, I'm in the position now where it's eleven years later and I forget that I've had a mastectomy. 'I really want to encourage people to talk about it. It seems like such a massive thing at the time and I remember asking someone at the time, "When will I stop thinking about it every day?" 'Now, day-to-day, I forget that I ever had breast cancer. I was really lucky.' Others around Michaela were not so lucky however, with the presenter losing a sister-in-law to cancer, a friends' son aged 35, and her partner Nick Chevallier's best friend to a heart attack all during 2014. She told The Express: 'These were people our age. I know I'm getting on but I'm 57 – I shouldn't know this number of people who have died.' While living in a small coastal town in South Africa with her partner and their son Oliver, Michaela has since become an ambassador for the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, stressing the importance of having regular mammograms. She has continued to present Springwatch and earlier this year took part in Dancing On Ice, where she skated alongside pro partner Mark Hanretty. Michaela made history on the show as, at the age of 58, she became the oldest ever contestant on Dancing On Ice to make it to the final. She was however pipped at the final hurdle by Sam Aston. Michaela nevertheless described the experience as a 'great' way to push herself outside her comfort zone. The presenter told MailOnline earlier this year: 'I think it's great when you're a bit older and you are able to push yourself out of your comfort zone. 'I spent my entire career pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and it's great to be able to continue to do that.'
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
'Hypocritical' BBC is accused of damaging the countryside to film Chris Packham's Springwatch
The BBC has been accused of wreaking environmental damage on a National Trust estate in order to film Springwatch. Residents in the Peak District claim the production team for the hugely popular nature programme is destroying an area of the Longshaw Estate. Live filming for the 20th anniversary series of the programme - fronted by environmental campaigner Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan - is taking place on the estate, which sits within the Peak District National Park, near Sheffield. But images taken by local resident Christine Laver, supplied to MailOnline, show what some alleged to be hypocritical behaviour on the part of the BBC Natural History Unit, part of BBC Studios, the commercial production arm of the broadcaster. Steel plates are laid out across part of the estate - which only some vehicles belonging to the production team are parked on, with others in the grass. Large plates were also laid out across paths and ditches were filled in with bags of stones, topped with plastic mats to widen the roads for larger vehicles such as production lorries. The BBC and the National Trust both say the site will be restored to its original condition once filming is concluded. But in a viral social media post Ms Laver said the apparent damage reflected 'the reality of Springwatch at Longshaw'. Large plates were laid out across paths and ditches were filled in with bags of stones, topped with plastic mats to widen the roads for larger vehicles such as production lorries She wrote: 'Tons of limestone tipped in a gritstone landscape to facilitate access for huge lorries. Ditches blocked and tracks widened by vehicles they were never designed for. 'A meadow covered in steel plating, just when the wildflowers are coming into bloom and dozens of staff and production vehicles parked there. 'How many tons of CO2 will this lot produce in 3 weeks, Chris Packham?' The first episode of the latest series of Springwatch, which aired on Monday, opened with Chris and Michaela praising the habitats and the wildlife at the location. Among Longshaw's fauna are wild hares, herds of deer and birds including short-eared owls and ring ouzels. But some of those who saw Ms Laver's post fear that the wildlife may have been disrupted. The BBC has denied this is the case. 'Saw a pair of curlews in the field the wagons are in now, probs a week before the arrived, two days in a row,' one said. 'If they had a nest, that'll be trashed now.' One social media user opined that it was an example of 'hypocrisy and feeding a narrative' on the part of the BBC. Another, referring to Chris Packham, said: 'The hypocrisy of these environmentalists knows no bounds. Educate and inform by all means but stop the campaigning.' The BBC and National Trust supplied MailOnline with similar statements outlining how the site would be preserved after production came to an end. Some have given the broadcaster the benefit of the doubt as production continues. One said: 'Why not be thankful for the good that comes from this programme? For me personally I think it is fantastic that Springwatch is coming from my own backyard.' Another commented: 'I like they are trying to [put] wildlife to the forefront of people's attention and get people interested in wildlife and support mental health. 'And all people can do is look at the negative side if things. 'They're not destroying habitats to build homes like the government. They're trying to bring the beautiful side of nature.' The row comes despite Chris being a prominent environmentalist campaigner and vocal supporter of groups such as Just Stop Oil. In November last year, he joined thousands of people marching through central London to demand the government cleans up Britain's waterways. Speaking outside Westminster, he said: 'Rachel Reeves gave a Budget in 2024, whilst Valencia was being flooded and people were losing their lives, and she didn't use the word climate or nature once in that Budget. Now that's scary.' Pointing at Parliament, Mr Packham added: 'I know there are plenty of MPs and ministers over there who are desperate to do what they need to do and do their job - but they need to be given access to the resources, and part of that is finance.' Meanwhile in April last year Chris joined Extinction Rebellion protesters as they stormed the Science Museum's new climate gallery over its sponsorship by a mining company. The criticism centred on the fact the gallery's sponsor – the Adani Group – derives 60 per cent of its revenue from the coal industry. Speaking to the 30-strong band of young people, scientists and activists, Mr Packham deemed the sponsorship deal 'beyond greenwash – it's grotesque'. He continued: 'Science tells us that the fossil fuel industry is responsible for the accelerating destruction of our natural world. 'The Science Museum is a place to spark imagination, to provide answers but also to encourage us to ask questions. 'The question I'm asking today is a big one, 'why on earth are we allowing a destructive industry to sponsor an educational exhibition whilst simultaneously setting fire to young peoples futures?' 'This is beyond greenwash - it's grotesque.' A BBC spokesperson said of the Springwatch row: 'At Longshaw the Springwatch team is working in cooperation with the National Trust. 'The field location was confirmed as appropriate for temporary use by local land managers and no wildlife has been displaced. 'All of the surfaces installed and modifications are temporary, and the National Trust will undertake any works that may be needed to reinstate the site once Springwatch has departed. 'This restoration includes reseeding fields, restoring ditches, and reverting any landscape changes. 'Minimising our environmental impact is a top priority and Springwatch is certified by BAFTA Albert, which encourages sustainable TV and film production. 'Whilst on location, our main power source is a green hydrogen fuel cell, dramatically reducing our CO₂ emission.' In a similarly worded statement, the National Trust said it would 'uphold the highest possible environmental standards' during production.
Daily Record
a day 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'.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
BBC ‘damages countryside' to film Chris Packham's Springwatch
The BBC has been accused of damaging the countryside in order to film Chris Packham's Springwatch. The show is broadcasting live from a National Trust estate in the Peak District which is home to one of Britain's most threatened birds, protected insects and rare plants. But residents have accused the BBC of 'hypocrisy', saying that the 'reality' of the wildlife show is actually to damage the wildlife, including roads built for lorries and a steel plate over a meadow where wildflowers were about to burst into bloom. Mr Packham is joined by fellow presenter Michaela Strachan at the National Trust's Longshaw estate for three weeks of live filming for the show's 20th anniversary. The first episode, which aired on Monday, opened with the pair praising the habitats and the wildlife at the location, including hares, herds of deer, short-eared owls and ring ouzels. But resident Christine Laver said that the 'reality' of the show behind the scenes was very different. Tonnes of limestone were tipped into a gritstone landscape, which could cause damage as the materials support different types of habitat. Other damage saw ditches blocked and tracks 'widened by vehicles they were never designed for', the local council worker said. She added that there was 'a meadow covered in steel plating, just when the wildflowers are coming into bloom' and 'dozens of staff and production vehicles'. 'How many tons of CO2 will this lot produce in three weeks, Chris Packham?' she asked. Callum Cocker, who visits the site most weekends to watch the red stags, said that 'a week before the circus arrived' he had spotted two curlews in the field. He did not get close enough to see if they were nesting but said that if the threatened birds had 'chosen it for a nest site, that all went out the window when Springwatch arrived and laid checker plate on the wildflower meadows and parked HGVs in the field'. Mo Metcalf-Fisher, external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance, said: 'It's incumbent on all of us to treat our precious green spaces and natural environment with respect and care. This applies especially to celebrities and broadcasters out and about in the countryside, who have a special responsibility to lead by example at all times.' A BBC spokesman said: 'At Longshaw the Springwatch team is working in cooperation with the National Trust. The field location was confirmed as appropriate for temporary use by local land managers and no wildlife has been displaced. 'All of the surfaces installed and modifications are temporary, and the National Trust will undertake any works that may be needed to reinstate the site once Springwatch has departed. This restoration includes reseeding fields, restoring ditches, and reverting any landscape changes. 'Minimising our environmental impact is a top priority and Springwatch is certified by BAFTA Albert, which encourages sustainable TV and film production. Whilst on location, our main power source is a green hydrogen fuel cell, dramatically reducing our CO₂ emission.' On a page on their website describing how 'delighted' they are to host Springwatch, the National Trust tells readers that they should be 'a wise wildlife watcher'. Top tips are 'keep your distance', 'activate your stealth mode' by moving quietly and not staying in one place for too long and 'leave no trace' by not damaging the plants and vegetation. The National Trust echoed the BBC's statement and said that they are working together 'to uphold the highest possible environmental standards'.
Wales Online
4 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.
