| In defence of Bill Oddie
To an extent I'm playing devil's advocate here, and I can totally understand why some people hate him, but our Bill gets more than his fair share of criticism. So I thought it was time someone fought from his corner.
1) Bill Oddie Knows his stuff! OK, even his biggest detractors admit this, I guess I must try harder to convince you.
2) He is different. No other wildlife presenter does it the way he does. Imagine how boring life would be if every presenter delivered in the same hushed plumby tones as Attenborough (Simon King take note). At least you never know what's coming next with Bill. I stress here, I am playing devils advocate.
3) He is inspirational. Around the age of 16 I gave up watching wildlife, lured by the vices of football, girls, beer and curries. Not necessarily in that order. Springwatch, 2 years ago, awoke my interest again. It was Bill's garden program last night that inspired me to spend all afternoon in my garden digging a hole for my new pond. This is one forumer who would not be here if it wasn't for Bill.
4) He is a well rounded person The stereotypical image of a birdwatcher is a nerdy, aloof, outcast from society. Not Mr Oddie. A Cambridge graduate. An accomplished musician and composer. An author, illustrator and father of three daughters. Bill defies the cliches and defines the modern image of the nature lover
5) He gave us Ecky Thump
Next week, I'll be defending Kate Humble on the grounds that she is just lovely.  |