Face of the Day

British actor, comedian and broadcaster Bill Oddie, best known to Australian and New Zealand audiences as a member of the 1970s comedy trio The Goodies, has died aged 85.

His agent, David Foster, confirmed his death to the BBC, without revealing the cause.

The Goodies was a surreal British comedy series starring Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, blending slapstick, satire, music and visual gags.

It ran for nine seasons between 1970 and 1982, with 76 episodes.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder,” Foster said in a statement.

“Bill was a multi-talented entertainer – a wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.

“Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead, he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.”

After The Goodies, Oddie became one of Britain’s best-known wildlife broadcasters and conservationists through BBC series including Birding with Bill Oddie and Springwatch.

RNZ