Bill Oddie’s friend and agent David Foster announced today (Monday, July 27) that the comedian who became “Britain’s favourite birdwatcher” had died at the age of 85.
Oddie’s first taste of fame came as part of the Cambridge Footlights, with their Edinburgh Festival Fringe revue show transferring to both London’s West End and Now York’s Broadway in 1964.
He appeared on a variety of television and radio shows before his big break came when he teamed up with Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor to create the television comedy series The Goodies, which ran from 1970-1982.
It was a huge hit and made stars of the trio, leading them to have a top five chart hit with The Funky Gibbon.
A lifelong birder, his hobby was to become his career when he pivoted to wildlife broadcasting in 1985 when was the subject of a 50-minute Nature Watch Special: Bill Oddie – Bird Watcher,
That led to him becoming a successful nature programmes for the BBC, peaking with Springwatch which regularly attracted audiences of more than four million people.
Here are 10 memorable quotes from the star over the years.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
2. Bill Oddie on...his favourite tipple
"I have an image, which means people assume I like real ale. I can't bleeding stand it. When I order my Campari and soda, I do it proudly." | Getty Images
3. Bill Oddie on...growning old
"The main thing I'd like to stick around for now is to watch and enjoy - no, revel in - the progress of my daughters and my grandchildren. They are all capable of doing special things - most of them already have." | Getty Images
4. Bill Oddie on...being British
"I'm not proud to be British. In fact, I'm very often ashamed to be British. We are a terrible race." | Getty Images