Latest news with #SpringwatchStreet
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'.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Springwatch returns with special tribute as fans all rush to say same thing
Springwatch returned to the BBC on Monday night for a special 20th anniversary series with Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams all back as presenters Springwatch: Presenters open fresh series of show BBC's beloved wildlife programme Springwatch has kicked off its 20th anniversary series, with Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan returning as hosts. Broadcasting from a new location in the picturesque Peak District, the duo introduced the first episode on May 26 with a nostalgic montage of clips featuring familiar faces, including Kate Humble and Bill Oddie, from the show's debut in 2005. In his signature style, Chris Packham donned a bucket hat and peppered his opening segment with Oasis puns, teasing viewers that they were in for a treat: "You'll want to be here now as we're about to bring you the Champagne supernova of wildlife TV, starting tonight." To celebrate two decades on air, the show has introduced a new feature, Springwatch Street, which delves into the secret lives of urban wildlife, showcasing the thriving populations of foxes and swifts in city environments. Within minutes of the episode airing, fans took to social media platform X to share their delight at the show's return. One enthusiastic viewer exclaimed: "Springwatch at 20! Absolutely love this show! Great recap of the start and all of the amazing presenters that the show has had!" reports Gloucestershire Live. Another loyal fan commented: "Springwatch is 20 - and I think I've watched every series." A third viewer praised the show's hosts, saying: "Wonderful #springwatch is back - @ChrisPackham4 and @michaelastracha are national treasures." Others welcomed the show's return, posting: "Lovely to have #Springwatch back on our screens. And from the #PeakDistrict too!" and "Ssshhhh it's finally #springwatch time! Welcome back." Chris had fans buzzing with his not-so-secret Oasis theme, with one viewer tweeting: "@ChrisGPackham clearly on an Oasis kick tonight." Others chimed in: "Oasis songs then Chris?" and noted: "Sneaky Oasis references in the first 10 minutes." Some even teased: "Some might say that Chris is naming Oasis songs." Meanwhile, Welsh presenter Iolo Williams drew attention with a new look as he checked in from a damp Belfast, saying: "My beard and I, we're going to take you on a Northern Ireland road trip," before outlining the wildlife features ahead, including foxes and seals. "So Chris and Michaela we have got three wildlife-packed weeks coming up for you," Iolo declared, prompting a handover back to the Peak District. There, Michaela shared her approval of his new look: "I know, more rain, more hair - I like it. I almost think you look quite handsome actually Iolo." Chris offered his humorous take: "I think he looks like a Norwegain resistance fighter in the Second World war personally." Fans didn't hesitate to weigh in on Iolo's beard, with comments such as: "Liking the beard!" and "Loving @IoloWilliams2's beard." Another added: "Silver fox sighting on #Springwatch already, Iolo definitely needs to keep the beard." Springwatch is on BBC Two weeknights at 8pm
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Springwatch's Chris Packham says dogs 'saved my life' during 'dark' time
Chris Packham, 64, has opened up about his mental health battles and how he once 'didn't want to be on this planet any longer', but his beloved pets gave him 'purpose' Chris Packham has poignantly disclosed that his pets provided him with 'purpose' during his lowest moments, confessing: "My dogs saved my life." The much-loved wildlife expert is set to grace our screens again on Monday, May 26, with the return of the beloved series Springwatch, where he will co-host with his long-time colleague Michaela Strachan. Despite his cheerful television presence, the 64-year-old has spoken out about his struggles with mental health and a time when he "didn't want to be on this planet any longer". In an intimate chat with Country Living, Chris, who rose to fame with the '80s hit show The Really Wild Show, revealed: "My dogs saved my life." He elaborated: "I've been in some dark places. I was so miserable I didn't want to be on this planet any longer, but my dogs took that choice away. They gave me the gift of purpose - and it's the reason I'm still here," reports Gloucestershire Live. The devoted animal enthusiast expressed how his connection with his Poodles was so profound that he "couldn't break it". He remarked: "I used to call my previous dogs 'my joy grenades'. I'd let them off the lead, and they'd run for the sheer joy of running. It didn't matter how miserable I was, that would always put a smile on my face." Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 44, Chris notes that individuals on the autism spectrum can often form even stronger bonds with dogs. "I think it's because we're never judged. We are always accepted by that animal: the bonds are very tight," he explained. "Dogs offer us unconditional love. They are always pleased to see us. We trust them implicitly. I sleep with my dogs, we eat the same thing. I have an enormous responsibility and duty of care to make sure that my dogs are happy and healthy." Springwatch is celebrating its 20th year with a brand new segment called Springwatch Street, giving viewers a glimpse into the hidden lives of urban wildlife like foxes and swifts. Ahead of the new series, Chris spoke about his relationship with co-host Michaela, saying: "We're great friends. 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." Springwatch returns to BBC Two from Monday, May 26 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.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Springwatch's Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan admit they 'disagree' on set
Their bond has stood the test of time, but even close mates like Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham have their own disagreements. As Springwatch celebrates its 20th anniversary, Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan will present three weeks of wildlife from the National Trust's Longshaw Estate in the stunning Peak District. Marking two decades of observing nests, badger setts, otter holts and waterways, Springwatch still has stories to share. There's a thrilling new segment called Springwatch Street, which will reveal the natural neighbours of one Sheffield street, uncovering foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and a swifts' nest living unnoticed right under residents' noses. "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 happening in the undergrowth. It's the small stuff that is always so fascinating 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." Michaela adores the wildlife on the show, but she also cherishes her co-presenter Chris, who she first started out with on 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," says Michaela, reports the Mirror. "We're great mates," declares Chris, 64. "We know each other inside out, so occasionally we might have a disagreement and the team might think, 'Blimey, the presenters are at odds!' But we're not. We don't let those things bother us. "We don't need to see eye to eye on everything. We just move forward. So, the fact that we're close, lifelong, trusted pals helps, but also that we have distinct approaches to our job." Michaela is hopeful that Springwatch will carry on for another two decades as she believes that connecting with nature is crucial for our mental health and wellbeing. However, in her 13 years with Springwatch, she's observed the effects of climate change on our wildlife. "I reckon it's becoming increasingly important because climate change has altered the world we inhabit and there is dwindling wildlife," Michaela points out. "Over the years I've been on the show, I've noticed it's much more difficult to locate wildlife to film, even in areas that are maintained for wildlife. Even in managed reserves, we're sometimes struggling. "And we need to keep people engaged. That's what it's all about - it's about getting people connected to wildlife, making them understand how vital wildlife is, and making them realise how beneficial it is for their mental health and wellbeing. Fundamentally, we're meant to be connected to wildlife. By losing that, we're losing part of ourselves as a human species." Chris has expressed his belief that Springwatch plays a crucial role in encouraging people to pause their busy lives and appreciate nature. "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 remarked. "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." Reflecting on the past twenty years, Chris highlighted a memorable moment involving a stickleback fish named Spinless Si. "If I had to pick one thing that really encapsulated the program's success, it would be in Minsmere, with Spinless Si, the stickleback," he shared. "Because we managed to turn a five centimetre small common fish into a national treasure that featured on the news across TV, Radio and national newspapers." Chris attributes the show's enduring appeal to its engagement with viewers and focus on accessible wildlife. He explained: "We also deliberately focus upon a lot of back garden wildlife, things that people know, that they already share with their communities, whether that is foxes or hedgehogs or blackbirds or blue tits. "And then we show people the intricacies of their life, stories which otherwise they wouldn't be able to see, because we've got the technology to do it." And then we reveal to people the intricacies of their life, stories which otherwise they wouldn't be able to see, because we've got the technology to do it." Springwatch is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
