A sweet tribute was dedicated to TV personality Bill Oddie on ITV’s This Morning following his death at age 85

This Morning shared a touching tribute following the death of wildlife presenter and comedian, Bill Oddie.

The TV star, who found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, died on Saturday (July 25). Bill went on to host wildlife programmes for the BBC, including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Sharing the sad news on This Morning during the segment Morning Views, presenter Dermot O’Leary said: “Bill Oddie has passed away. Naturalist, broadcaster, comedian, died at 85, his agent revealed this morning.”

Dermot then handed the reins over to guest Gyles Brandreth, who said: “I certainly knew Bill Oddie and I, of course, loved The Goodies.”

Gyles went on to speak fondly about the show The Goodies and how he loved the concept. He added: “The great thing for Bill Oddie is that he had a second public life, his passion – he had several passions – but one of them was art, he was a great painter. But also nature, he loved the outdoor world, he was a proper birder.”

Gyles ended his tribute by labelling Bill a “good guy”.

Presenter Alsion Hammond then said: “What a lovely way to remember him. Our thoughts are with his wife and his daughters. Thank you so much.”

Viewers who tuned in to This Morning also shared their condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter. One viewer wrote: “RIP Bill. Thanks for the memories. I will always remember the Funky Gibbon.”

Another penned: “Sorry to hear that comic and ornithologist, Bill Oddie has died.”

On Monday (July 27), a statement from his friend and agent, David Foster, was released to announce Bill’s passing. The statement read: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder. Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.

“Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.

“He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it. He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten.

“As Bill’s agent I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey has become a cultural juggernaut, but it’s not just inspiring conversation: since its release, there has been a surge in people learning Greek.

The film is a certified box office smash, exceeding expectations by making more than $640m (£480m) at the global box office after just nine days.

While the film’s historic status as the first film to be fully shot in IMAX has certainly helped those figures, it’s also evidence of the enduring appeal of Homer’s ancient poem, composed almost 3,000 years ago.

According to Google Trends, searches in the UK for “learn Greek” have risen by 5,000 per cent in the last fortnight as anticipation for The Odyssey reached fever pitch.

A language trends expert for Preply, Madeline Enos, told The Times: “Homer’s Odyssey was composed in ancient Greek, which differs significantly from the language spoken in Greece today.

“Ancient Greek offers the opportunity to engage more closely with Homer’s original text and the wider classical world, while modern Greek can help people connect with contemporary Greek culture and communicate with speakers today.”

She credited The Odyssey with creating a spark that “can lead to a deeper understanding of Greece’s linguistic and cultural heritage”.

Sales for published copies of The Odyssey have risen by 70 per cent from last year, with 35,000 more copies sold this year in Britain compared with just 5,000 in 2025.

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While many were excited for The Odyssey ahead of release, scholars swiftly directed criticism at Nolan after the unveiling of first-look images and trailers.

They were left frustrated over production details, including costume design and the use of contemporary English language, including the fact that the male characters in the film wore trousers and not skirts, and also the use of the word “dad” over “father”.

The finished film has split these purists down the middle, with some calling them key omissions and others more accepting of Nolan’s artistic licence. Nolan himself told Time that he wrote an alternative ending to Homer’s poem in the film as the original “is so grim and so misogynistic”.

“I had to exclude some of that material,” he said. “But I didn’t want to completely take it off the table in terms of what it is saying about men and the way they wage war.”

The film has become one of the Dark Knight trilogy, Interstellar and Oppenheimer filmmaker’s best-reviewed from his entire career. It’s also on course to become his most bankable, beating The Dark Knight Rises (2012), which made $1.085bn (£814m).

Manchester United have signed Kit Margetson and agreed personal terms with Manu Kone as they still eye Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, while they also have growing interest in Carlos Baleba and Ollie Watkins. Chelsea are preparing a new bid for Alex Scott after clinching a deal for Maxence Lacroix, with John Stones said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Liverpool are plotting a huge offer for Barcola, though Yan Diomande is joining Real Madrid and Maghnes Akliouche looks to have chosen Paris Saint-Germain.

SEATTLE (AP) — Police searched for a second suspect Monday after gunfire erupted at a crowded food festival beneath Seattle’s Space Needle, leaving three people dead and four others wounded, including a toddler. Another suspect was earlier arrested.

Investigators believe the two suspects were shooting at each other Sunday and, although one remained on the loose, Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis told a news conference Sunday night that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Police did not have a description of the outstanding suspect, he said.

“We’re still trying to figure this out,” Davis said. Police did not immediately respond to phone and email messages early Monday.

Two people died at the scene and a third died at a hospital. They were described as two men, ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman.

The four wounded, including a 2-year-old boy, were hospitalized and in stable condition early Monday, police said. The rest of the wounded were adults. Davis couldn’t say if any of the victims were involved in the confrontation.

The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. Sunday in the waning hours of the Bite of Seattle, an annual three-day festival that draws hundreds of food and retail vendors and performers.

Dozens of officers were providing security at the event and some saw one of the suspects firing, Davis said. One suspect surrendered at the scene, but the other fled. Law enforcement searched the grounds to no avail.

A large number of police and emergency crews responded and began evacuating the area around the sprawling Seattle Center campus.

Faith Adia Hunter said she and her friends had just gotten food from a crepe vendor when gunfire broke out. She realized a shooter was near them. She and others found shelter in the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum.

“We were right next to him when it started so we took off running,” Hunter said. “So we took off running too into the building with the crowd.”

In the chaos, many vendors bolted toward the exits, abandoning their food stands. Hours afterward, some milled outside the police tape, wondering when they would be allowed to return to collect their tents, food and cooking gear.

Roberto Ramirez, a vendor at the event, said he heard what sounded like firecrackers before people began yelling “shooter” and frantically running.

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Britain’s ‘best-loved birder’ Bill Oddie has died aged 85.

The wildlife presenter, conservationist and comedian first found fame as a member of The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, and wrote for a succession of hit shows including That Was The Week That Was.

But he became while pursuing his passion for wildlife on television, as well as campaigning on green issues and raising awareness of mental health due to his own battles with depression and bipolar disorder. 

Oddie, who was born in Rochdale but raised in Birmingham, was beloved by generations of viewers, particularly for his work on Springwatch and Autumnwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie and Bill Oddie Goes Wild.

The broadcaster’s last TV appearance was on Celebrity Britain by Barge in 2020, alongside Pete Waterman, Anne Diamond and Jennie Bond.

That year, he almost died after being poisoned by lithium, which he took to manage the mental health problems that led to a number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals, including after he was dropped from Springwatch by the BBC.

He said the BBC’s decision still pained him years on and meant he could no longer bear to watch the show he loved. 

His agent today paid tribute to his friend’s ‘intelligence and wit’ following his death. Oddie is survived by his wife Laura and his three daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.

The last photo of the birder was posted on Instagram by his youngest daughter, Rosie, a musician, in a happy birthday post to her partner in September 2020.

A smiling Bill is shown raising a cup next to his wife and daughter.

Bill, pictured right in 1973, first found fame with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden as part of The Goodies

Bill Oddie and his wife, Laura in the garden of their Hampstead home. He had three daughters – two from his first marriage and a third from his marriage to Laura

Bill with Springwatch and Autumnwatch co-star Kate Humble. Mr Oddie rarely watched the programme due to the grief of being dropped from the BBC show in 2009

In a statement, David Foster said: ‘It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder.

‘Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. Yet it was never fame that he valued.

‘Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.

‘He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it.

‘He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten.

‘As Bill’s agent I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.

‘My thoughts and love are with Bill’s wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.’

A birdwatcher since childhood in Birmingham, Oddie was a respected ornithologist who became a popular broadcaster, renowned for his passion for nature and his gravelly yet gentle Brummie accent 

He was a council member of the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and The Worldwide Fund for Nature. He was also president of The Northumberland Wildlife Trust and represented many other nature organisations.

In addition, he wrote a number of books on birds and other wildlife topics.

His comic career began in Cambridge Footlights, when he started writing for shows including That Was The Week That Was.

He went on to write and appear on numerous programmes including I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again, which featured many of his comic songs.

He first found fame as a member of The Goodies and the trio earned household name status in Australia and New Zealand, as the television comedy show attracted millions of viewers in its heyday.

His songs led the Goodies to several major chart hits, most notably The Funky Gibbon.

He continued to work with his fellow Goodies on programmes including Bananaman, before turning his attention to nature shows.

Bill Oddie pictured in his ‘Man of the Year’ portrait in 1964

The Goodies pictured together in 1981

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Mr Oddie’s breakthrough came in comedy but he moved into wildlife TV, he’s great passion 

Mr Oddie said in 2020 he was ‘knocking on Heaven’s door’ for almost a year after getting lithium poisoning

In 1966, Oddie married Jeanne Hart and they had two daughters, Bonnie and Kate. They later divorced.

In 1983, Oddie married Laura Beaumont-Giles. They had a daughter, Rosie.

Bill struggled with mental health issues throughout his life.

Oddie spoke openly about suffering from crippling depression, and he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in 2009 after being dropped from the BBC show Springwatch, of which he was one of the original presenters.

He was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition where depressive periods alternate with manic activity.

Speaking in 2014, he said he still felt a lingering sadness that his days on Springwatch were cut short, and he rarely watched the programme.

He said: ‘I very much miss it, but when I do see it, it brings back many happy memories and I like to think I contributed to its success.

‘It’s still so well loved and helps encourage people to enjoy the natural world. That’s all to the good because I fear so many people wear earphones for their phones and music players that increasingly they miss out on everyday joys like birdsong.

‘My plea to people would be to ‘go naked’ occasionally – take off those earpieces so you hear nature and, of course, birdsong. You may not realise how precious it is until it’s gone.’

In 2020 he almost died after being poisoned by lithium he took to treat his bipolar and stabilise his mood.

In September that year he said he had been ‘very ill most of this summer. Lithium toxicity. Almost fatal! I am still here but very confused about most things! But then aren’t many of us. IT fuddles my brain. Confusion. Will I return? I Really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX.’

He had tried to take his own life twice and said that his depression was genetic, passed down on his mother’s side.

The crippling depression which saw him admitted to psychiatric hospital in 2009 – after he was dropped from Springwatch – abated in recent years, he said.

In 2014 he said he was afflicted with another problem – particularly difficult for a birder – he was going deaf. His eyesight also became poor in his fifties.

‘I first noticed it when I was out on Hampstead Heath bird watching.

‘I was stood with a friend who said a meadow pipit was going over – it makes a soft ‘seep’ sound – but I couldn’t hear it. 

‘My friend said the call was quite loud and I suddenly realised that my hearing had gone. I hadn’t suspected it at all before then but I went home and tested it by playing other high pitched bird call recordings and I couldn’t hear them either.’

His comic career began in Cambridge Footlights, when he started writing for shows including That Was The Week That Was

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Describing his mental health he said: ‘I’ve been fortunate enough that I’ve been absolutely fine for years now and have had a good stretch.

‘I’m still on medication – lithium for the bipolar and an antidepressant which I have been on for about 10 years. It is the lithium that made the difference. Once you take something like that basically you stick with it unless you absolutely don’t need it anymore. That’s the same whether it’s psychological or physical; nobody wants to be on medication but if you know it helps and is keeping you going, why give it up?

‘I’ve got friends determined to come off whatever medication they’re on who keep causing themselves problems as they relapse – that sort of purism can be very destructive.

He added: ‘It’s undeniable that being outdoors and having an interest in the outdoors is good for mental health in general.

‘There’s no doubt that being involved with nature is good for you.’

Blackpool is among a swathe of northern areas with the lowest life expectancy in England, a new report has revealed.

A damning analysis by health think-tank The King’s Fund found men in the seaside town can expect to live for just 73.7 years on average – almost a decade less than those living in Hart, Hampshire, the area with the highest life expectancy.

Women in Blackpool fare little better, with a life expectancy of just 79.1 years – significantly below the national average and the lowest anywhere in England. 

The report has exposed a stark North-South divide, highlighted by its finding that Londoners on average live for around three years longer than those in the North East.

While life expectancy has reached record highs nationally – with men expected to live to around 80 and women to almost 84 in England – the gains were largely seen in the South. 

And in what has been described as ‘a mark of shame’, the report claims northern areas have seen little improvement.

Among the lowest, Blackpool is joined by Kingston upon Hull and Middlesbrough, where men are only expected to live until 75.5 years. Manchester follows just behind with 75.6 years, while in Lincoln the average is 75.9 years.

The Daily Mail’s tables show the regions with the highest and lowest life expectancy, according to the report.

Women in Blackpool are expected to live longer than men, reaching a life expectancy of 79.1, but this is still around eight years fewer than women in Hart and Kensington and Chelsea, where female life expectancy is among the highest in England.

Veena Raleigh, senior fellow at The King’s Fund, said: ‘That people in our northern and deprived communities have seen little or no improvement in longevity over a decade, in contrast to the health gains in their southern and more well-off counterparts, is a mark of shame for an affluent country. 

‘Addressing this inequity in the nation’s health is not just a matter of social justice, it would reduce pressures on the NHS and the high economic costs of ill health.’

Blackpool’s position is perhaps unsurprising given a series of recent reports – separate to The King’s Fund’s analysis – highlighting the town’s poor health. 

One, published last May, revealed that Blackpool was the ‘takeaway capital’ of the North West, boasting 25 fast-food shops per 10,000 people.

Another report uncovered that Blackpool had four times the average number of drug deaths, and nearly double the rate of smoking deaths.

It was also found to have the highest rates of alcohol-related deaths and serious mental health conditions in England. 

Locations like Liverpool and Burnley, which have higher levels of deprivation, also featured among the lowest life expectancies in the King’s Fund’s analysis.

This was in stark contrast to wealthy places in the South, such as Kensington and Chelsea – a hotspot for the rich and famous – where women live at an average of 87.1 years.

The report found people in the North East were more likely to be overweight or obese, have high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes than Londoners.

They were also more likely to die prematurely from cancer and heart disease, while rates of suicide, drug deaths and alcohol-related deaths were also higher. 

Overall, healthy life expectancy – the number of years a person can expect to live in good health – fell by around two-and-a-half years in England.

However, people in affluent areas lived on average for six to seven years longer in good health than those in the most deprived regions.

Life expectancy as a whole in Britain was found to be the lowest of all comparable high-income countries, other than Germany and the US.

The report argues that London’s strong economy, higher wages and better job opportunities have helped people live longer and healthier lives. 

By contrast, they say many northern communities are still living with the effects of industrial decline, having spent decades dealing with the fallout of factory and industry closures.

They claim this has led to higher levels of poverty, unemployment and poorer living conditions, which have contributed to worse health and shorter lives.

Ms Raleigh added: ‘Improving population health and reducing entrenched health inequalities have never been more urgent and yet also more challenging, given the economic constraints facing the country.

‘It will require concerted, bold, cross-governmental action to reduce largely preventable illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes associated with poor diet, drinking and smoking, and tackle the wider determinants driving persistent poor health, especially among northern and deprived communities.

‘One of the three “radical shifts” in the Government’s ten-year health plan is from sickness to prevention. 

‘One year on, and the modest moves on this front fall well short of the bold action needed to improve public health, reduce inequalities and increase people’s lives and the years they spend in good health.’ 

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘Someone’s postcode should never dictate how long they live, and this government is determined to tackle the stark inequalities that still exist across Britain. 

‘We’re already taking action, from allocating GP funding more fairly to delivering pioneering neighbourhood health centres in the areas that need them most.

‘But we will now go further in devolving power to local communities, putting decision-making into the hands of those who know their areas best, and driving lasting change across the country.’