The beloved wildlife series Springwatch has made its eagerly anticipated return to the BBC, marking its 20th anniversary with a special series hosted by Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan. This year, the show takes place in the scenic Peak District, providing a fresh backdrop for nature enthusiasts.
The opening episode, broadcast on Monday, May 26, offered a nostalgic look back with a montage of highlights from past series, including appearances from original presenters such as Kate Humble and Bill Oddie dating back to 2005. Chris Packham kicked off the series with his signature charm and humor, peppering his introduction with Oasis-themed wordplay: “You will want to be here now as we are going to bring you the Champagne supernova of wildlife TV starting tonight.”
Celebrating two decades on air, Springwatch introduced an exciting new feature called Springwatch Street. This segment unveils the surprising wildlife thriving in urban environments, shining a spotlight on foxes and swifts that often go unnoticed in cities.
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Viewers took to social media shortly after the episode began, expressing their excitement and joy at the show’s return. Comments ranged from heartfelt tributes marking the show’s longevity, such as “Springwatch at 20! Absolutely love this show! Great recap of the start and all of the amazing presenters,” to enthusiastic praises like “Wonderful #springwatch is back - @ChrisPackham4 and @michaelastrachan are national treasures.”
Fans also noticed Chris Packham’s clever Oasis references, sparking commentary like “@ChrisGPackham clearly on an Oasis kick tonight,” and “Sneaky Oasis references in the first 10 minutes.”
Adding to the charm was the appearance of Welsh presenter Iolo Williams, who joined live from a rainy Belfast sporting a new grey beard. Iolo teased viewers with plans for a wildlife road trip across Northern Ireland, showcasing local fauna such as foxes and seals. Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham humorously commented on Iolo’s rugged new look, with Michaela jokingly calling him “quite handsome” and Chris likening him to a “Norwegian resistance fighter” from World War II. Fans quickly took to social media to share their approval of Iolo’s beard, dubbing him a “silver fox.”
Springwatch continues to air every weeknight at 8 pm on BBC Two, promising three weeks packed with captivating wildlife stories and stunning visuals from across the UK.