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Bill Oddie
BroadcasterComedian
NaturalistUnited Kingdom
1941–2026
Bill Oddie was a British broadcaster, comedian and naturalist who first became widely known as a member of the comedy trio The Goodies before developing a second major career in wildlife broadcasting. He presented programmes including Birding with Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch, and was appointed OBE in 2003 for services to wildlife conservation. [5]
Career and work
Oddie first became prominent in British comedy through I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again and then as one of The Goodies alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. The Goodies ran from 1970 to 1982 and combined sketch comedy, visual humour and music; Oddie also wrote and performed many of the group’s songs. [5]
A lifelong birdwatcher, he later developed a second major career as a wildlife broadcaster. He presented programmes including Birding with Bill Oddie and Bill Oddie Goes Wild, and helped establish the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch. He also wrote books about birds and wildlife and was appointed OBE in 2003 for services to wildlife conservation. [5]
What has been publicly discussed
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
The Guardian“This much I know: Bill Oddie” First-person interview covering Oddie’s depression, hospitalization, bipolar diagnosis and the effects of the illness on his daily functioning, confidence and identity.
The Independent“Bill Oddie on his battle with undiagnosed bipolar disorder” Covers the depression that followed his departure from Springwatch, two suicide attempts, his retrospective understanding of manic behaviour and treatment through an NHS crisis centre.
The Independent“Bill Oddie calls Government ‘ignorant and arrogant’ over wildlife issues in Britain” Covers his bipolar diagnosis, hospitalization, lithium treatment and retrospective account of manic behaviour.
View all 7 sources
NZ Herald“Bill Oddie on the good times and the bad times” Long-form interview covering depression, suicide attempts, lithium and Oddie’s later approach to his health.
The Guardian“Bill Oddie obituary” Detailed account of Oddie’s career in comedy, music, wildlife broadcasting and conservation.
BBC Radio 4 listings archive“Radio 4 Listings for 9–15 August 2014” Confirms that Oddie presented the BBC Radio 4 Appeal for Bipolar UK in August 2014.
The Guardian“Celebrity mental health campaigning – a Trojan horse for raising awareness” Reports Oddie’s criticism of celebrity mental-health campaigning and his decision to step back from work with a bipolar charity.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Bill Oddie and their experiences.
- “Bill Oddie: from Goodies to depression”RNZ
A long-form 2008 interview with Oddie about his life, career and experiences of depression around the publication of his autobiography.
- “Interview: Bill Oddie”Cherwell
A 2015 interview covering Oddie’s comedy and wildlife careers and his reflections on depression, mania and the older term “manic depression.”