Springwatch presenter: I’m quitting after 12 years

WILDLIFE presenter Martin Hughes-Games has announced that he is quitting BBC2’s Springwatch show.

Hughes-Games, 61, has presented on the much-loved programme and its sister shows Autumnwatch and Winterwatch for the past 12 years.

Yesterday he told his 51,000 Twitter followers: ‘It’s good to go when the show is looking strong. MASSIVE thank you for yr support.’ In September 2016 Hughes-Games said he was being axed by the BBC to meet diversity targets. The corporation denied this, but his role was changed instead of being axed, after he received huge support from viewers.

He has not given his reasons for leaving the show, but a colleague said: ‘ He hopes that other channels see past the perceived problem that he is middle-aged, middle class, white and male and recognise him on his merits.’

One fan, Ron Smith, tweeted: ‘I smell BBC politics in this decision, Martin. It’ll be interesting to see who replaces you.’

A BBC spokesman told the Radio Times: ‘Martin has been a vital part of the success of the Watches for the past 12 years, so we’re very sad to see him go. We wish him every success in his new ventures.’