BBC star Tony Soper has died at the age of 95.
The nature presenter, author and naturalist, who founded the BBC’s Natural History Unit, died on Wednesday, it was announced.
Tony is survived by his wife Hilary, his sons 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 a few years ago.
She wrote about X, formerly known as X: ‘On one of my very first shows as a presenter on TV am, this wonderful, kind man came on to talk about his book on OWLS. He was a delight and a joy’
BBC star Tony Soper has died at the age of 95
The nature presenter, author and naturalist, who founded the BBC’s Natural History Unit, died on Wednesday, it was announced
While wildlife presenter Stephen Moss wrote: ‘Very sad news – Tony Soper had a huge influence on generations of birdwatchers and presenters.
‘I had the great privilege of working with and getting to know Tony.
‘The last person there 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 ‘trainee’, after which he moved into radio and became a reporting producer.
He later moved into television, where he got his big break in 1954 when he took on the role of unofficial assistant floor manager on Wild Geese in Winter, the first live broadcast of wildlife on television.
In the 1960s, Tony’s career took off, starting with a stint as host of Animal Magic, alongside Johnny Morris.
Tony subsequently presented a number of programmes including Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds and Discovering Animals.
He also presented Beside the Sea, Wildtrack and Nature.
Lorraine Kelly led the tributes to the presenter and shared a heartfelt message on social media, recalling what a ‘joy and a delight’ Tony was when she interviewed him a few years ago