Beloved BBC show saved from shock axe – but fans will be fuming at big change
BBC has stated a beloved nature programme is "back by popular demand" after it found itself on the chopping block last year.
The BBC has confirmed Autumnwatch is officially returning to the small screen with a limited, three-episode run later this month. The news comes after the annual nature documentary was axed last year due to budget constraints.
The 2024 series of Autumnwatch is set to commence airing during The One Show on Tuesday, October 29, before subsequent episodes follow on Wednesday, October 30, and Thursday, October 31. The broadcaster claims the showcase is back on screens due to “popular demand” and has confirmed presenter Chris Packham will front.
Reporting live from Wytham Woods in Oxford, 63-year-old Chris will explore the mental benefits of being in an autumnal woodland as well as introduce viewers to resident animals such as badgers. The special will also see him conversing with moth expert Liam Crowley, who will explore the science of camouflage.
Speaking about his return to the beloved programme, Chris told the BBC: “Autumn is one of the most magical phases in our seasonal calendar. It may feel like things are shutting down but far from it.
“It’s a time for nature to recycle and prepare. Those rich autumn colours are a sign of nature at its very best and I’m excited to be telling the stories of the season in one of my favourite woodlands in the UK.”
The seasonal offering’s return to TV screens comes off the back of Autumnwatch’s cancellation in early 2023.
Fans were not happy to see the show reducing to appearing as part of The One Show: "So the #BBC have totally ruined #AutumnWatch by adding it to the #TheOneShow these are 2 totally different shows and should never be integrated."
Another added: "Still sad that they cancelled #AutumnWatch but it's nice to see a couple of days on #TheOneShow."
A third chipped in: "Never mind Autumnwatch snippets - BRING BACK THE FULL PROGRAMME!! Sick to death of licence fee paying for constant sports coverage! THE WORLD NEEDS MORE NATURE COVERAGE!!!"
A fourth penned: "Never mind little 'Autumnwatch' segments. BRING BACK THE FULL AUTUMNWATCH!!!"
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At the time, the BBC stated it was focusing on its sister programmes Springwatch and Winterwatch.
“These are challenging times financially and we need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact,” a spokesperson said of the cancellation.
“Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, as they are most popular with audiences.
“We are incredibly proud of the Watches and would like to thank the presenters and production team who will continue on Springwatch when it returns in May for three weeks, and Winterwatch when it returns next year for one week, reduced from two weeks.”
Tune into the first episode of Autumnwatch on The One Show at 7pm on Tuesday, October 29. Following episodes will be aired at the same time.
