Play all audios:
BBC SPRINGWATCH KICKED OFF ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES ON MONDAY NIGHT FROM A NEW LOCATION - THE PEAK DISTRICT - WITH CHRIS PACKHAM AND MICHAELA STRACHAN RETURNING KAREN PRICE Assistant
Editor of Screen Time 09:55, 27 May 2025 Wildlife series Springwatch has made a triumphant return to the BBC for its landmark 20th anniversary with Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan once
again steering the ship. Broadcasting from the Peak District, Monday, May 26 saw the duo kick off the opening episode with a nostalgic montage showcasing highlights from past years,
featuring well-loved faces like Kate Humble and Bill Oddie who appeared in the inaugural 2005 show. Chris Packham swathed in a bucket hat, infused his introduction with wit, referencing
Oasis as he told audiences: "You will want to be here now as we are going to bring you the Champagne supernova of wildlife TV starting tonight." Marking two decades, the programme
has introduced an enticing new feature called Springwatch Street, which gives viewers a glimpse into the hidden lives of urban wildlife, from foxes patrolling our streets to swifts soaring
amidst cityscapes. Within moments of the show airing, fans were quick to express their joy on social media platforms, with comments indicating their pleasure at the show's latest
outing, reports Gloucestershire Live. One viewer remarked: "Springwatch at 20! Absolutely love this show! Great recap of the start and all of the amazing presenters that the show has
had!" Another shared: "Springwatch is 20 - and I think I've watched every series." An enthusiastic fan tweeted: "Wonderful #springwatch is back - @ChrisPackham4 and
@michaelastracha are national treasures." Someone else reflected: "Lovely to have #Springwatch back on our screens. And from the #PeakDistrict too!" And one excitedly posted:
"Ssshhhh it's finally #springwatch time! Welcome back." Viewers quickly picked up on Chris Packham's apparent Oasis homage, with one pointing it out saying:
"@ChrisGPackham clearly on an Oasis kick tonight." Another joined in with: "Oasis songs then Chris?" While a third observed: "Sneaky Oasis references in the first 10
minutes." And comments like: "Some might say that Chris is naming Oasis songs." There was also quite the buzz regarding Welsh presenter Iolo Williams and his striking new
appearance as he presented from a drenched Belfast. Flaunting his fresh grey beard, he announced to the audience: "My beard and I, we're going to take you on a Northern Ireland
road trip," before outlining the spots of natural beauty and local wildlife he would cover in the weeks ahead, including segments on foxes and seals. Article continues below "So
Chris and Michaela we have got three wildlife-packed weeks coming up for you," he briefed, tossing back to his colleagues in the Peak District where Chris was eager to hear
Michaela's opinion on Iolo's transformed visage. "I know, more rain, more hair - I like it. I almost think you look quite handsome actually Iolo," Michaela complimented.
While Chris offered a humorous comparison: "I think he looks like a Norwegain resistance fighter in the Second World war personally." Social media users didn't hesitate to
comment on the change, with reactions such as: "Liking the beard!" Versus "Loving @IoloWilliams2's beard." And: "Silver fox sighting on #Springwatch already,
Iolo definitely needs to keep the beard."