Bill Oddie: Goodies and Springwatch star dies at 85

TV host and comedian Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85, his agent said.

Oddie became a household name in the 1970s as part of zany TV comedy trio The Goodies, before focusing on his love of wildlife, as one of the original hosts of BBC TV’s Springtime and other birdwatching shows.

In a statement, David Foster said: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of the nation’s best loved bird, Bill Oddie.

“Bill was a well-known man of many talents – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, author, singer, musician and conservationist. But it wasn’t fame that he valued. Instead, he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.”