Departures of note

William Edgar Oddie (7 July 1941 – 27 July 2026) began his career as a comedian and musician, gaining fame in the 1970s as part of the television trio The Goodies alongside Tim Brooke‑Taylor and Graeme Garden. The show combined surreal sketches with musical numbers and became a staple of British comedy, establishing Oddie as a household name.

After The Goodies, Oddie turned his lifelong passion for birdwatching into a successful broadcasting career. He presented a series of popular BBC wildlife programmes, including Birding with Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch, bringing natural history to a wide audience and earning the reputation of the nation’s best‑loved birder.

Beyond television, Oddie authored several books on birds and wildlife, composed songs for The Goodies, and campaigned vigorously for conservation, influencing public attitudes toward the environment. He remained active in both entertainment and environmental advocacy until his death at age 85.