In defence of Bill Oddie

[Goatboy]

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.

[djackso]

LMAO - ha, ha I'll give you point 1) at least.

But there is definitely something a bit dodgy about him - it's all in the body language - something about the eyes.

Kate is lovely.

[djackso]

PS you're not a relative, are you?

[shei111]

Hello Goatboy, im glad you also enjoyed last nights prog with bill , I too thought it excellent, and if he gave you the inspiration to go out and dig a pond today well thats brilliant good on you. sheila

[Kayleigh]

I agree Bill Oddie is all of those things and more. I like the way innuendos just roll off his tongue, they surprise even him.

No comment on Kate.

[shei111]

Originally Posted by djackso

LMAO - ha, ha I'll give you point 1) at least.

But there is definitely something a bit dodgy about him - it's all in the body language - something about the eyes.

Kate is lovely.

Hello Theres nought dodgy about bill hes very passionate about all wildlife I think whatever he does if some folks dont like him, they dont give him credit for what he do whether its personal or what , whether you like him or not you cant knock him for last nights show.

[djackso]

Sorry - apologies to everyone - I was playing devil's advocate too, actually I am a fan of Bill Oddie - I used to split my sides watching the Goodies.

I will try and watch his program - I didn't really like his garden style, but the whole forum seems to be buzzing with praise today so I missed a treat.

And he has come up with a few madcap, innovative ideas.

[deer boy]

I like Bill & i say if u don't like him don't watch him.Why people watch his programmes to then just bad mouth him i don't know

[galanthus]

I agree with goatboy's statements, all of them. I LOVE BILL ODDIE so there

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by deer boy

I like Bill & i say if u don't like him don't watch him.Why people watch his programmes to then just bad mouth him i don't know

I don't know the man, just don't like the fidgeting and interrupting of others. I watch his programmes because I am interested in nature and wildlife, not Bill Oddie. As for Bill knowing his stuff, many presenters have researchers behind them who do the graft, though I agree that he is knowledgable re wildlife. Each to his own. Agreed re Kate Humble

[witham]

I also enjoy Bills presenting skills he makes wildlife interesting to watch, as has been said people don't have to watch him just for the sake of complaining, innuendo can be found in most things if people look hard enough but I think that says more about the person complaining than Bill, some would complain if they could find nothing to complain about. His garden special was very good as was Kates marine special but I found Simons programme a bit heavier viewing,

[Seajay]

Look at what the man has done for wildlife in general and has given to society.
No he is not perfect and neither am I. Nor are any of you.
He is a good man with a great love of nature with a couple of sometimes irritable, odd quirks. Keep up the good work Bill. You'll do for me!

Colin

[Shearno]

Bill Oddie is brilliant !

remember when he did the programme "who do you think you are ?" a few years back, so honest and truly moving.

A mentally ill mother who did not really feature in his childhood, Bill started off the programme quite bitter but as stories unfolded he openly understood her pain and suffering of miscarriage and a young babies death. As a lone child a Brother or Sister Bill had not known existed.

He wears his heart on his sleeve, emotional and says what he thinks, I have nothing but admiration for him.

Shearno

[wildmanofthewoods]

Bill Oddie is brilliant

Think of it this way;
If he's presenting a wildlife programme Alan Titchmarsh isn't


oops did i say that out loud?

[tony a]

Bill is very good on his own, as shown on the garden programme. But put him with Kate Humble and it's a competition to see who can be the most annoying.

[Blackdogjnr]

Originally Posted by Goatboy

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.

Oh my gosh.
This could have been written by me!
That is exactly what happened, and now I'm so passionate about wildlife again!
Bill, IOU

[shei111]

Originally Posted by wildmanofthewoods

Bill Oddie is brilliant

Think of it this way;
If he's presenting a wildlife programme Alan Titchmarsh isn't


oops did i say that out loud?

Hello Yes but alan titchmarsh is also very wildlife friendly on his gardening progs I love em all !! sheila

[Ukwildlifeo]

Bill oddies is a force for good - i got his birding for under 10s when I was younger which was great for someone at that age

[ChrisJB]

Bill's as sound as a pound as far as I am concerned. He's no Simon King, but Simon is exceptionally good.
Bill can be rather irritating sometimes, but I always watch his wildlife programmes, so he must be doing something right to show up on my radar.

Regards, Chris

[Ringleywood]

Bill Oddie is a genius and as everyone knows most genii are excentric, look at Spike Milligan, a genius but very excentric!

[coasty]

Re: In defence of Bill Oddie

Just one comment,,WHY???????????

AND Comparing Milligan.. An incredibly innovative and inventive comedy genius . To a short fat scruffy bloke with a beard is an insult to milligans memory

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by coasty

Just one comment,,WHY???????????

Cause, good Old Blody normally gets a bashing on WAB. And usually by me.

[coasty]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Cause, good Old Blody normally gets a bashing on WAB. And usually by me.

And so he should...

[Stewy]

Bill Oddie Bill Oddie rub your hands all over my body!!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Stewy

Bill Oddie Bill Oddie rub your hands all over my body!!

Stewy, I have my doubts about you..First you fancied the butchers now Blody...

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