Ellie Harrison and Chris Packham HIT BACK at Countryfile viewers for their 'trite' letters
WILDLIFE presenters Chris Packham and Ellie Harrison have spoken out on the frustrating questions and comments they get from viewers.
Chris Packham opens up about struggles with Asperger's syndrome
Countryfile star Ellie has presented for, and shared her nature knowledge, with the BBC series since 2009, but has admitted that fans are usually only interested in one thing.
Speaking to Radio Times magazine, she revealed: “‘Where do you get your boots from?’ That’s all I ever seem to get. And people always seem to comment on how a woman looks.”
But while the host, 39, is sick of the continuing comments, fellow wildlife enthusiast and Autumnwatch presenter Chris confessed that it’s not just women who receive them.
“No, just to reassure you, I get that too. I refuse to answer those because I consider them trite,” he said bluntly.
Ellie Harrison and Chris Packham have revealed the fan mail they receive
Chris Packham has a new documentary coming out about Asperger's
Chris Packham and Ellie also revealed they hate compliments
I’m also sent a lot of pictures of animal poo, asking which animal it belongs to
The television personality went on to reveal the other bizarre things he gets sent, but almost all of them are wildlife-related.
He continued: “I’m also sent a lot of pictures of animal poo, asking which animal it belongs to. I don’t mind.
“I do seem to talk a lot about poo.”
The pair also shared the things they hate most about being high-profile characters in the industry, stating they’d prefer to be criticised than given compliments for their work.
Chris and Ellie discussed their feelings on being high profile in the industry
Stephen Sackur and Chris Packham passionately debate fox hunting
“I find compliments difficult. But then again, I don’t engage with Twitter conversations because I’m frightened it will ruin my day. I prefer not to look at all,” Ellie added.
Chris is also releasing a documentary about his Asperger’s condition called Asperger’s and Me, airing on BBC Two tomorrow night.
The presenter travels to the US to explore the various treatments available for the condition, but remains adamant that he doesn’t want a cure.
Read the full interview in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, out now.