Who is Chris Packham? Winterwatch presenter
CHRIS Packham has shared his unwavering passion for animals with fans, since shooting to fame on The Really Wild Show.
Here’s what you need to know about everyone’s favourite naturalist and host of Winterwatch.
Who is Chris Packham?
Chris Packham, 60, is a well-known TV presenter, naturalist, nature photographer, and author.
He was born in Southampton, Hampshire on May 4, 1961.
Chris developed his passion for the great outdoors after he got a degree from the University of Southampton in Zoology.
He got his first big break in 1986 when he worked on CBBC kids nature programme The Really Wild Show, which ran until 1995.
He’s now a well-known for hosting Springwatch, which he has done since 2009, and has had many scientific papers published alongside his work.
Chris was awarded a CBE by the Queen in her New Year’s honours list in December 2018.
Is Chris Packham married?
The TV host isn’t married but he currently resides in the New Forest with his long-term girlfriend Charlotte Corney, who owns the Isle of Wight Zoo.
The couple have a pet poodle called Scratchy.
Chris reportedly kept the fact that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome hidden from Charlotte, only revealing the diagnosis after five years of being together.
Charlotte said: “As our relationship progressed, I noticed he didn’t always seem to care how I felt.
“His truthfulness sometimes hurts me.
“It can still make me pretty distraught, and I can still make the mistake of equating this with how much he cares.”
Chris doesn’t have children, but does have a stepdaughter from a previous relationship, Megan McCubbin, who has so far done a great job of co-hosting Winterwatch with him.
When did Chris Packham start hosting Winterwatch?
Chris started to front the popular BBC Two wildlife series in 2009, joining hosts Kate Humble and Simon King.
Chris replaced Bill Oddie, who had been with the show since its conception in 2005.
He has also co-hosted its sister programmes Springwatch and Autumnwatch – with presenters Gillian Burke, Michaela Strachan and Martin Hughes-Games.
What other TV shows has he hosted?
In August 2018, Packham co-hosted Yellowstone Live on National Geographic Channel with TV host Josh Elliott.
It was a four-night event showcasing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with feeds from live cameras.
In Mach 2019, he presenter alongside Liz Bonnin and Steve Backshall for the four-part series Blue Planet Live.
In 2020, he narrated a three-part documentary series called Primates along with Ella Al-Shamahi.
He also co-presented Waterhole: Africa’s Animal Oasis which premiered in December of the same year.
Most recently he has presented a six-part BBC Two documentary series called Animal Einsteins and a one-hour special titled Chris Packham: A Walk That Made Me, in which he walks a familiar path in Hampshire.