BBC star Tony Soper has died aged 95.
The wildlife presenter, author and naturalist, who founded BBC’s Natural History Unit, passed away on Wednesday, it has been revealed.
Tony is survived by his wife Hilary, his sons, and five grandchildren.
Lorraine Kelly has led the tributes to the presenter, sharing a heartfelt message on social media as she recalled Tony being a ‘joy and a delight’ when she interviewed him several years ago.
Taking to X, formerly known as X, she penned: ‘On one of my very first shows presenting on TV am – this wonderful kind man came on to talk about his book on OWLS. He was a joy and a delight’
BBC star Tony Soper has died aged 95
The wildlife presenter, author and naturalist, who founded BBC’s Natural History Unit, passed away on Wednesday, it has been revealed
While wildlife presenter Stephen Moss penned: ‘Very sad news – Tony Soper was a huge influence on generations of birders and broadcasters.
‘I had the huge privilege of working with Tony and getting to know him.
‘The last person who was there at the start of the BBC Natural History Unit. A lovely man.’
Tony’s career at the BBC began aged 17 when he was a ‘youth-in-training’, before he progressed into radio, becoming a features producer.
He later moved over to television, where his big break came when he filled in as an unofficial assistant floor manager for Wild Geese in Winter – first live wildlife TV outside broadcast – in 1954.
Tony went on to found BBC’s Natural History Unit back in 1957 in Bristol where he alongside Patrick Beech, acted as its first film producer.
The unit has gone on to become known on a global scale for its iconic wildlife programmes, most notably the Planet Earth series, narrated by another wildlife great, Sir David Attenborough.
The 1960s saw Tony’s career really take off, beginning with a gig hosting Animal Magic alongside Johnny Morris.
Lorraine Kelly has led the tributes to the presenter, sharing a heartfelt message on social media as she recalled Tony being a ‘joy and a delight’ when she interviewed him several years ago
Taking to X, formerly known as X, she penned: ‘On one of my very first shows presenting on TV am – this wonderful kind man came on to talk about his book on OWLS. He was a joy and a delight’
While wildlife presenter Stephen Moss penned: ‘Very sad news – Tony Soper was a huge influence on generations of birders and broadcasters’
Tony then went on to front a number of shows including Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds, Discovering Animals.
He also presented Beside the Sea, Wildtrack, and Nature.
His wildlife career took him as far as Arctic and Antarctica, with Tony also penning several wildlife books.
Following news of Tony’s passing, a number of fans echoed Lorraine and Stephen’s sentiments and took to X to share their own tributes.
Following news of Tony’s passing, a number of fans echoed Lorraine and Stephen’s sentiments and took to X to share their own tributes
One wrote: ‘This is sad news. Tony Soper did a hell of a lot for wildlife on the BBC. Without him there would have been not Life on Earth. Even as a young boy I remember thinking it was good to hear a West Country accent on TV too.’
Robbie Martin, a reptile specialist penned: ‘RIP Tony Soper. Such a lovely inspirational man. Nature has lost a good friend.’
Nick Randell, who works for BBC New wrote: ‘A true pioneer of natural history output & memorably children’s TV during 70s/80s. Wildtrack (co-presented by Su Ingle) took a UKcentric look at the animal world. Years later I got to work with his son, who was a fellow BBC Studio Manager. RIP Tony Soper.’
With another adding: ‘I am saddened to hear about the death of a conservation hero of mine – Tony Soper aged 95. He inspired me as a child with his smooth knowledgeable style. He was a wonderful man. Rest in nature Tony Soper.’