Chris Packham has opened up about being "terrified" while his father battled health problems earlier this year during lockdown. While appearing on Autumnwatch, which returned for a new series at the end of last month, the TV presenter revealed how he was worrying about his father's health, while also trying to find comfort in nature.
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He told audiences at home while exploring a badger patch: "I have to tell you, I've got an enormous passion for this patch, and that passion grew this spring, because I've never had so much time, here, on my own, to connect with nature.
© Photo: BBCChris with his Autumnwatch co-stars
"I mean, don't get me wrong, the lockdown was stressful, confusing, we were terrified about what might be happening to my father."
He continued: "But to get some light relief I came out into the woods here and every evening I went to that badger set and I decided to take photographs of them. And by spending my time getting to know those animals - so much better than I normally would be able to - it really cheered me up."
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Chris spoke to HELLO! earlier this summer about the show
Chris found himself growing closer to his family in lockdown in many ways, including his project with stepdaughter Megan McCubbin. The pair started an online show on Facebook called The Self-Isolating Bird Club, in which they discuss many aspects of nature from their home in the New Forest.
Soon after the online show grew popular, the BBC decided they liked the duo's presenting style together and Megan was invited to present on Springwatch.
Chris told HELLO!: "She did really well. I said to her: 'You figure out what you want to say and I'll fill in around you.' I don't need to own anything, I've got nothing to prove. I was there as a support mechanism, really, and wasn't needed. She believes in what she's got to say, she's excited by the science and committed to the environmental aspects of it."
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