Winterwatch’s Michaela Strachan took a swipe at rival TV show, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, saying ‘We’re way more important than I’m a Celeb!’.
The BBC show that’s been a staple for over 10 years is returning next Tuesday with Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and lolol Williams bringing us the world of wildlife battling extreme frosty conditions.
However, due to cuts from the broadcaster, the new series will air over one week, not to two.
Presenter Michaela Strachan recently talked about the importance of Winterwatch.
“We’ve got to stay positive, don’t we?,” she told Radio Times.
“I’m 57 and I’ve been doing telly since I was 20 so I understand how these things work. But all of us feel this is more than a job.
While Winterwatch does not get as many viewers as ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, she said they are ‘more important’.
Michaela continued: “We were so disappointed because although we don’t get the same viewing figures as something like I’m a Celebrity, we’re way more important. People need this programme.”
According to Michaela, the BBC show aims to inspire and empower viewers who want to make a difference but may be unsure how.
She added: “We’ll offer ideas for citizen science or celebrate unsung heroes, whether they’re rewilding estates or putting up a few nest boxes.”
It comes after Nature expert Iolo Williams, 61 recently suffered a health scare and was forced to take a break from Springwatch last year.
He opened up about how he was forced to save his own life after having a sudden heart attack while out jogging alone in the countryside.
lolo did not even have his phone on him and was about six miles away from his car when disaster struck.
He told The Mirror: “It came like a bolt out of the blue. I knew what it was – intense pain under my sternum. It was a heart attack.”
The BBC presenter had to battle through the pain while walking back to his vehicle to call for help.
Iolo knew it would be even harder to get help if he collapsed out in the wild, so he pushed himself to do the trek back, stopping to crouch down and recuperate when his heart condition got worse.
After making it to his mobile he called for an ambulance, but was told there would be a 90 minute wait before one could reach him.
Winterwatch airs Tuesday, January 16 on BBC Two from 8pm
