BBC wildlife TV presenter, 95, dies as Lorraine Kelly leads tributes to 'wonderfully kind man'

Lorraine Kelly has written a heartfelt tribute to the late BBC broadcasting icon, Tony Soper.

The former BBC wildlife TV presenter and naturalist, who was instrumental in forming the renowned BBC's Natural History Unit, died at 95 years old. Known for his roles as wildlife camera operator, producer and presenter of shows like 'Birdwatch' and 'Beside the Sea', Tony leaves behind his loving family including his wife Hilary, his sons and five grandchildren. He passed away on September 18.

Tributes have been pouring in from colleagues and fans alike on social media, according to the Express. Natural history broadcaster Stephen Moss paid homage saying: "Very sad news - Tony Soper, a huge influence on generations of birders and broadcasters, who I had the huge privilege of working with and getting to know, has died aged 95. The last person who was there at the start of the BBC Natural History Unit. A lovely man."

Lorraine Kelly shared these sentiments and recalled her own experiences with Tony, remarking: "On one of my very first shows presenting on TVam - this wonderful kind man came on to talk about his book on OWLS. He was a joy and a delight."

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Other fans expressed their sorrow, with one writing: "Sad news, one of my favourite shows growing up was Wildtrack, presented by Tony and Sue Ingle... I still remember the theme tune! ". Another fan looked back fondly, saying: "Yes, he was always 'the' nature TV person when I was a child."

A fellow fan offered their condolences, commenting: "Sad to hear this. He was one of the lovely wholesome folk I felt I knew through the telly of childhood. He's had a powerful positive influence on so many of us. Let's try to keep that enthusiasm and those values alive."

Tony joined the corporation at 17 years old as a 'youth-in-training' before he progressed to a features producer in radio. He soon moved into television and worked as the unofficial assistant floor manager on Wild Geese in Winter, in 1954. In 1956, he went on to produce Look, an outside live programme.

He even co-founded the BBC's Natural History Unit. In the early 60s, he got into presenting and got his big break as the co-presenter of Animal Magic with Johnny Morris. He also hosted Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds, Discovering Animals, Beside the Sea, Wildtrack and Nature.

During his fruitful career, he also did wildlife cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. He wrote multiple books.

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