BBC PRESENTER Tony Soper has died aged 95 – with Lorraine Kelly leading tributes to the “wonderful and kind” TV pioneer.
The death of Soper, the wildlife presenter and co-founder of the BBC’s Natural History Unit, aged 95, was announced on Wednesday.
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Wildlife manager Tony Soper dies aged 95 Credit: Getty
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Soper programs including Birdwatch and Beside the SeaCredit: Getty
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Soper co-founded the BBC’s Natural History Unit Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Soper runs nature programs including Birdwatch and Beside the Sea.
Paying tribute, Lorraine Kelly said: “On one of my first shows on TVam, this wonderful kind man came to talk about his book about owls. He was a joy and a delight.”
Wildlife presenter Stephen Moss said: “Very sad news – Tony Soper has been a huge influence on generations of birders and broadcasters.
“I had the great privilege of working with Tony and getting to know him.
“The last person to be there at the start of the BBC’s Natural History Unit. A wonderful man.”
Soper is survived by his wife Hilary, their sons and five grandchildren.
He began his career at the BBC at the age of 17 as a “youngster in training” before becoming a radio producer.
His television break came when he came on as an unofficial assistant floor manager for Wild Geese in Winter in 1954.
Soper went on to help set up the BBC’s Natural History Unit before making his debut as host of Animal Magic with Johnny Morris.
He later introduced Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds, Discovering Animals, Beside the Sea, Wildtrack and Nature.
His long career has taken him on wildlife cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic.
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