We will never see another Sir David, the ‘mighty oak’
SIR DAVID Attenborough is a “mighty oak tree” who is simply “irreplaceable”.
That’s the verdict of ATV producer who has worked with him for four decades, including on his latest serieswild Isles, which sees the 96-year-old broadcaster explore the natural history of Britain and Ireland for the first time in his career.
Alastair Fothergill said: “I’ve been very privileged to work with David since 1987. I’ve worked with him a lot and probably know him better than anyone else would. “He immediately said yes to the project. “He has never done a landmark series on British natural history – and if you look at David’s career he’s done everything.
“There never will be another David Attenborough and it’s a result of a number of factors.
“The fact he started on black-and-white TV, he has seen it the whole way through.
“He’s an extraordinary communicator – he’s a mighty oak tree.
“People always talk about his boyish enthusiasm and that’s not an act, it’s the absolute reality. It’s just a joy. It was an immense privilege to be back in the field and look back on all the years we worked together.
“He doesn’t run up rocks quite as much at 96 but, mentally, he’s as sharp as ever.
“There are some great presenters. I think Chris Packham does a great job.
“You can look at other presenters but they will never be a David Attenborough.
“It may be that the big landmark pieces that David has narrated may not continue.
“Maybe we need to find a fresh and different way to tell wildlife stories.
“I don’t know – but it will be a massive, massive gulf for us film-makers.
“People have come and gone but he’s irreplaceable.”
The new series celebrates the variety of habitats close to home, exploring the puffins on Skomer Island, off the west coast of Wales, and visiting other natural habitats, looking at depleting numbers. It also shares hope for conservation.