BBC Springwatch fans left distracted by Chris Packham’s ‘annoying’ new habit: ‘Why is he doing that?’
BBC’s beloved wildlife programme Springwatch returned to screens on Monday night, launching its special 20th anniversary series from a picturesque new location in the Peak District.
The milestone season sees the familiar presenting team of Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan back at the helm, with Welsh naturalist Iolo Williams joining from Belfast sporting a striking new beard.
The first episode aired on Monday, marking two decades since the show’s debut in 2005, when it first captured the nation’s fascination with British wildlife.
The opening episode featured a nostalgic montage showcasing familiar faces from the show’s history, including Kate Humble and Bill Oddie, who were part of the original 2005 lineup.
Packham brought his characteristic flair to proceedings, donning a bucket hat and peppering his introduction alongside long-term co-star Strachan.
He told viewers: “You’ll want to be here now as we’re about to bring you the Champagne supernova of wildlife TV, starting tonight.”
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To mark the 20-year milestone, the programme has introduced a new feature called “Springwatch Street”, which explores urban wildlife and the thriving populations of foxes and swifts that make their homes in city environments.
However, it didn’t take long for viewers to pick up on Packham seemingly dropping in references to the band Oasis.
Taking to their X account, one noted: “So, the Oasis puns continue on #Springwatch tonight. Can’t just be me.”
Someone else added: “I’m so distracted by trying to spot when @ChrisGPackham gets an Oasis song into what they’re talking about.”
A third penned: “@ChrisGPackham playing drop the Oasis song I see.”
“Is Chris trying to mention as many Oasis tunes as he can in this series?” someone added before a fifth said: “Is there a reason Chris keeps referencing Oasis songs?”
A sixth expressed: “Anyone any ideas why Chris is dropping so many #oasis song titles in #springwatch?”
Iolo Williams also checked in from a rainy Belfast, introducing himself with the line: “My beard and I.
“We’re going to take you on a Northern Ireland road trip,” before outlining upcoming wildlife features, including foxes and seals.
His new facial hair prompted immediate reactions from his co-presenters, with Strachan approving: “I know, more rain, more hair – I like it. I almost think you look quite handsome, actually, Iolo.”
Packham offered a more humorous take on Williams’ appearance, quipping: “I think he looks like a Norwegian resistance fighter in the Second World War personally.”
The Welsh presenter promised “three wildlife-packed weeks” from his Northern Ireland location.