A few things you may not have known about the incredible Bill Oddie
Gunners & Ali - Ali's Random Facts
Tuesday, 28 July 2026 - 2 minutes
A sad day for fans of British comedy and wildlife television, with the passing of Bill Oddie at the age of 85.
Oddie first shot to fame in the 1970s as one-third of the legendary comedy trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.
The show became a huge hit in Australia, with its quirky humour, slapstick comedy and unforgettable songs like The Funky Gibbon.
But for a whole new generation, Oddie became Britain's best-known birdwatcher. He fronted popular BBC wildlife programs including Birding with Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild and helped launch the hugely successful Springwatch, inspiring countless people to appreciate the natural world.
His agent described him as "Britain's best-loved birder" and said that while Bill was a comedian, broadcaster, musician and conservationist, it was his passion for wildlife and the environment that meant the most to him.
Bill Oddie was 85. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of laughter, music and a lifelong commitment to protecting nature.
Source: BBCTV | YouTube | BBC1 | The Goodies
