Bill Oddie dies at 85

[Slow.Patrol]

I used to love the Goodies growing up.

If you have not seen it, the Episode of Bill Oddie on "Who do you think you are" must be one of the most distressing ever.

[The Gauge]

That was a great episode of WDYTYA

It inspired me to read his autobiography which was an excellent read. He explained his mother being sectioned with mental health and it seems he went on to suffer the same.

I think he had a fall out with the BBC when presenting Springwatch leading to his departure but I could be wrong.

Had some brief chats with him on Twitter when he was active but he disappeared from socials a few years ago due to his health.
Will miss him.

Edited by The Gauge on Monday 27th July 10:46

[paulyv]

One of the goodies.

[9xxNick]

RIP Bill. You have us some great laughs in the 70s, at a time when laughter sometimes seemed to be short supply.

[Randy Winkman]

Loved The Goodies and have read his birdwatching and other books. As has been said, he's had some real challenges in life. I really hope he gets a mention once BBC Autumnwatch comes around. I bet he does.

[turbobloke]

RIP funky Bill the birder.

[eccles]

The Gauge said:

That was a great episode of WDYTYA


I think he had a fall out with the BBC when presenting Springwatch leading to his departure but I could be wrong.

Edited by The Gauge on Monday 27th July 10:46

One recurring theme was that he was very difficult to work with.
I've seen it mentioned many times over the years and know somebody who's a camera man and has said the same.

[Terry Winks]

You can never hear Madonna's Erotica the same again.....

[Vanden Saab]

turbobloke said:

RIP funky Bill the birder.

Yep, some forget he was also a pop star and martial arts master. RIP.

[Drive Blind]

i wish the man no ill, however the goodies was a terrible show

[hiccy18]

Sad to hear this, I really enjoyed watching The Goodies growing up. I thought Bill was wasted on Springwatch.

[Yahonza]

Yes the Goodies were throwaway fun. Kung fu capers springs to mind.
Bill was a bit irascible though. I can recall him being bad tempered with people in Budgens once - possibly during one of his spells.
RIP

Edited by Yahonza on Monday 27th July 19:58

[TUS373]

Grew up watching the Goodies. In hindsight....well, it was not great but it was the 1970s.

As others here have mentioned...he did not have the best reputation for getting along with folk. I did not know about his mental health problems, but that now adds up.

[Slow.Patrol]

WDYTYA Episode is on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/lhJxdeahNLE?is=zi6hWIGYjL9Mqr6o

Hard watch.

[hondajack85]

With the Odyssey film being pushed by every media outlet I got Bill Oddie in my head the last few weeks,wondering if his name was inspired by it.
Ecky thump was just one of the skills of an invading army. Navigation not so much.
Rip Bill Oddie.