R2OK!

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Saturday, April 5 2008, 10:13 BST

By Daniel Kilkelly, Entertainment Reporter

Bill Oddie has hit back at "hurtful" criticism of his performance as presenter of Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Oddie has attracted attention for frequently interrupting his co-host Kate Humble on the BBC nature programmes.

The presenter has now admitted that he thinks unfavourable comments made about his hosting style on internet message boards are unnecessary.

"Some of it is actually deeply hurtful," he told the Daily Record. "Kate hears more of what's going on in the background than I do. She knows more of what's going on behind the scenes. I don't realise that I'm interrupting."

Bill also revealed that working on the shows has started to spoil his enjoyment of the great outdoors.

"I've got to the stage where my work is taking the edge off the enjoyment," he explained. "I can't go for a walk without thinking, 'How would I film this? What would I say about that?'"

________________________________________________________

So he reads the message boards? Everyone be warned l... I totally agree with what he's saying as it can get upsetting reading rude comments about yourself. I don't think half of you would like to read rude and insulting comments posted about yourself from a member of staff at your place of work etc, etc?

I do understand that these boards can attract a lot of criticism towards TV shows, individual broadcasters blah, blah!! I do think some should take it with a pinch of salt, but some may take it too heart. I understand that if I'm correct and sorry if I'am not Bill suffers from Depression which can trigger people off?

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

This is interesting. Presumably most of these comments have been made on the BBC's POV site, where people voice their personal point of view, and that's presumably what the BBC want them to do, hence the title of the site.

Now if people don't like his style aren't they going to comment ?

Isn't saying someones professional style is dull, smarmy, cheesy, brash, old fashioned etc acceptable ?. You hear it in plenty of other places. Maybe it's OK for critics to say these things but now Joe Public has the means to say it and be noticed it's not acceptable ?.

As long as these comments aren't personal insults, including age, sexual orientation, race, looks etc etc then isn't that acceptable ?. Sadly I would agree a lot of threads do descend into personal insults and I don't think that is acceptable.

I think they should also remember these forums aren't always representative eg not everyone who likes Bill Oddie, including me, voice there opinions.

gfloyd · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:04 am Post subject:

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

I agree. Hence my last sentence. Smile

tarahrah bomdiay · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 260

I realise that he is not going to be everybody's cup of tea but I do think it's a bit sad that people can't comment without making spiteful or nasty remarks.

As Mark says he does suffer from depression so maybe a little more consideration to his somewhat eccentric ways would be nice.

SantaFefan · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:20 am Post subject:

I would think the viewing figures speak for themselves rather than a few sarky message board comments.
I'll admit, I've commented to the wife that he interrupts Kate a little too often but now I read why that is - it's understandable.

Also, maybe he's a little more sensitive than others and really takes criticism to heart whereas Jonathon Ross probably wouldn't.
I know I've been put out when a poster on Jezzas came back with what was in my opinion, a little unnecessarily sharp reply. I didn't post for a while! Laughing

As for the work "taking the edge off his enjoyment of nature", I can completely understand that, but that's his choice isn't it.
_________________
Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! Very Happy

13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

All I'll say is that the last series was not as good as previous ones IMO. I didn't watch every programme, mainly because Bill was getting on my nerves. It's a shame because up to then it had been a wonderful series.

So maybe those who complained were speaking for a sizeable number of viewers?

H
_________________
88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Clive55 · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1336

I havn't watched the last couple of series, but I do like Bill Oddie. He seems a nice fella, & is passionate about nature.
Quite a style icon, isn't he? Shocked

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

"So maybe those who complained were speaking for a sizeable number of viewers?"

There's no way of knowing I would say, with you that's 1 more Wink

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

I think the message was from Digi spy. I don't mind Bill at all he might have his own opinion about things and come across different and not to everyones liking. If everyone was the same on TV and Radio it would be boring.. At least he should hold his head high and say he's been noticed. One thing he needs to do is ignore it and move on..

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

Briant · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject: Goodies, goodies...

It must be down to the 'pecking' order then! Laughing

Like when the newsreaders sign off, the senior one has to have the last word..or try to!