BBC star Tony Soper has died aged 95.
The wildlife presenter, author and naturalist who founded the BBC Natural History Unit died on Wednesday, it has been revealed.
Tony is survived by his wife Hilary, his children and five grandchildren.
Lorraine Kelly led the tributes to the presenter, sharing a heartfelt message on social media recalling that Tony was “a joy and a delight” when she interviewed him several years ago.
Referring to X, formerly known as X, she wrote: “On one of my first shows as a presenter on TV am, this wonderful, kind man came to talk about his book on OWLS. It was a joy and a pleasure.”
BBC star Tony Soper dies aged 95
The wildlife presenter, author and naturalist who founded the BBC Natural History Unit died on Wednesday, it has been revealed.
While wildlife presenter Stephen Moss wrote: ‘Very sad news – Tony Soper had a huge influence on generations of birdwatchers and broadcasters.
‘I had the enormous privilege of working with Tony and getting to know him.
‘The last person to be present at the start of the BBC Natural History Unit. A lovely man.’
Tony’s career at the BBC began at the age of 17 as a ‘young trainee’, before progressing into radio and becoming a producer.
He later moved into television, where his big break came when he took the position of unofficial assistant to the floor manager of Wild Geese in Winter (the first live outdoor wildlife broadcast) in 1954.
Lorraine Kelly has led the tributes to the presenter, sharing a heartfelt message on social media recalling that Tony was “a joy and a delight” when she interviewed him several years ago.