MICHAELA Strachan won’t be able to take part in Winterwatch 2021 as lockdown restrictions have left her stuck in South Africa.
Show producers have been forced to make last minute changes due to her absence.
Michaela Strachan can’t be on the upcoming series of Winterwatch due to lockdown restrictions.
The 54-year-old presenter lives in Cape Town, South Africa with her family, and new rules mean she can’t fly to the UK to return to her co-hosting duties.
The BBC said: “Unfortunately due to lockdown restrictions, Michaela Strachan is unable to participate in Winterwatch 2021 this year as a presenter.
“We are all deeply saddened that Michaela is unable to be there in person this time, but she will be in conversation with Chris Packham during the first episode, from her home in South Africa.”
Michaela also had to miss Springwatch 2020 for the same reason.
While fans hope she’ll be back for the 2021 edition, it will depend on the rules at the time.
Michaela’s spoken about her life in South Africa before, telling You Magazine: “I live behind Table Mountain National Park.
“Walking there with my dog Rio has become my solace. It’s also where I met my husband Nick. I was in Cape Town and a friend introduced us.
“After a long walk up the mountain together, a bottle of wine at the top and a cable car down, I knew he was the one.”
Michaela was due to present the show from near Fife in Scotland, but now no one will be live reporting from that location.
Now Chris Packham will present from the New Forest alongside Iolo Williams, Gillian Burke and Megan McCubbin.
As for Scotland, filming had taken place over winter to prepare so Tentsmuir will feature in the show without a live host.
