Springwatch host Iolo Williams pulls out of next series due to health scare
Iolo #Iolo
Springwatch host Iolo Williams has given fans a scare after revealing he’s pulling out of the nature programme’s next series for health reasons.
The TV presenter and author, 60, who has co-presented Springwatch alongside Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan since 2019, announced the news on Friday.
Speaking to his 87,000 followers, Iolo shared a picture of himself from hospital, updating fans about why he won’t be appearing on Springwatch 2023.
He said: ‘Unfortunately, I can’t co-present Springwatch this year. I had a stent inserted in April, which released a clot, that, this week, caused an embolism!’
Referencing the author Mark Twain, Iolo then said: ‘My demise has been greatly exaggerated; thanks to brilliant friends, wonderful family & the excellent NHS.
The new series of Springwatch, which has been aired on the BBC for almost 20 years, having first been broadcast in 2005, begins on Monday, May 29.
After his tribute to the NHS, he also gave a shout-out to the entire Springwatch team and specifically new presenter Megan McCubbin.
In response, Springwatch fans were quick to send get well soon messages and before long Iolo’s Twitter feed was full of replies wishing him good health.
Megan, Springwatch co-host and step-daughter to Chris Packham, said: ‘Get well soon, and rest up! I’ll do my best on the show, but come back soon.’
Iolo currently lives in Powys, a western Welsh county that contains the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, previously known as the Brecon Beacons.
He has two children with his wife Ceri.
As well as messages wishing him a speedy recovery, Iolo was also sent several dozens of photographs his followers had taken during spring 2023.
Iolo’s co-host Michaela, 57, confessed on Friday that she only showers once every three days after living in Cape Town, South Africa during a drought in 2018.
‘I went through a country with major, major droughts, and we so we learned to only have a shower every three days. I’m not fastidious about washing hands.’
She then went on to say, ‘We’re way too clean, all of us,’ which was greeted with shock on the Loose Women panel.
Watch Springwatch on the BBC.
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