The top ten contenders to be the new David Attenborough
With Brian Cox ‘sexing up’ particle physics and Heston Blumenthal doing more for kitchen chemistry than Nigella Lawson ever thought possible, it appears that the next generation of TV scientists have a whole army of inspirational figures to choose from.
However, what about the science of the natural world? Who will champion televised natural history programmes as vehemently as Coxey?
For more than half a century David Attenborough has inspired us to go on safari holidays and from mountain gorillas in Uganda to whales and penguins in Antarctica, big Dave has been an inspiration for a generation.
But who is able to fill his more than generous hiking boots? Who will be the next khaki-clad hero to appear from a rainforest with sweat pouring from his/her brow and an orphaned orangutan clinging desperately around their neck?
The search is on for the next David Attenborough and before you shout out: “Surely it’s Nutkins” read the top ten candidates below and register your decision with a lion’s roar of approval.
Bear Grylls
Forever courting ambitious and innovative ways to present survival in the natural world, this former SAS trooper has already gone some way to inspiring the next generation of adventurers by becoming the youngest ever Chief Scout at the age of 35. Grylls has faced some criticism for putting showmanship ahead of sensible survival techniques, however with a posh accent and the no fear attitude of an eight year old, he could be the complete package.
Check this video of Bear trying to steal honey from wild bees http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h03wzwBiJbE&feature=fvst
Score: Will eat anything for TV coverage: 8
Chris Packham
If a quiff and a lisp were all that was needed to bring the natural world smashing into the 21st century then look no further than the blonde bombshell that is Chris Packham. Currently presenting the BBC’s Seasonal Watch programmes this Peter Pan of the presenting world has consistently proved that he’s got the brains as well as the looks to attract a younger audience but can he cut it outside of the Hampshire?
Score: A fairly wild: 8
Nigel Marven
Described as unorthodox and a bit of a wildlife maverick, Marven will stop at nothing until he’s touched, hugged or grappled with at least six dangerous animals per programme. Having already worked closely with Attenborough for more than 12 years, this British version of Steve Irwin is well-known for holding the aged presenter in very high-regard although, his dangerous animal antics have left a lot of the wildlife fraternity less than enamoured with his work.
Score: Not scared of spiders: 7
Bill Oddie
Goodie turned twitcher, Bill Oddie has certainly lived up to his name with a number of high-profile incidents forcing him out of the BBC spotlight and onto the dusty shelves of their ‘not to be mentioned ever again’ archive cabinet. If ever there was a more entertaining and watchable character presenting wildlife programmes then I’ve yet to see them, however with a tendency for being as a mad as a fish he might not be considered as the number one ‘safe choice’ by the powers that be.
Score: A few acorns short of a squirrel’s lunch 6
Kate Humble
Don’t let this former wild child’s angelic looks fool you as she’s as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as Brian Cox on Kendal Mint Cake. As the current president of the RSPCA and having survived the endurance test of co-presenting with Bill Oddie, Humble certainly has the attributes to make her the pin-up girl of ever naturalist on the planet. Guaranteed to stay the course for years to come and probably most males’ top choice as a companion on walking holidays, let’s get ready to Humble.
Score: Tousled temptress: 8
Ray Mears
Khaki – check; boyish – check; unflappable – double check. Ray Mears is the undisputed king of bush craft and if you can eat it, live in it or hollow it out, this judo loving behemoth will be all over it like a tramp on chips. Known for his love of sleeping outside and passion for preserving the natural world, Mears is already a hero in most people’s eyes but has he got the looks and the fashion sense to appeal to the next generation?
Score: Knowledge is key: 9
Simon King
As stealthy as a snow fox and as sleek as an otter, Simon King has crept onto our screens to present such classics as: Big Cat Diary, the Natural World and Spring Watch. Having written various scripts for Attenborough’s films and having survived a bite from a rabid cheetah, King has to be up there as one of the frontrunners for the naturalist crown.
Score: Heir apparent 8
Bruce Parry
Now this guy! Former Royal Marines officers don’t get more spiritual and friendly than Parry and with a fabulous notion that he can communicate with anyone and anything purely through a smile and a cheeky wink, he surely has to be an extremely highly-rated candidate. Although, with a fondness for natural hallucinogens and not afraid of a bit of full-frontal nudity, is Parry too risqué for an Attenborough-friendly family audience?
Score: Mind bending boundary pusher: 7
Michaela Strachan
The ‘Her’ from the ‘Hitman and Her’ was once the apple of every teenage boy’s eye and it appears that thanks to some serious cryogenics Strachan’s hit our screens again looking and sounding exactly as she did in the eighties. As this bubbly vegetarian has a base in South Africa she’d be ripe as a contender for taking over Attenborough’s mantle, however with the BBC’s tendency to sack any woman who’s passed puberty perhaps this Wide Awake candidate’s days are already numbered.
Score: Still got it, but for how much longer: 6
Steve Backshall
A black belt in judo (bring it on Mears) and a regular Tough Guy eventer, this muscle-bound children’s TV host is regarded as one of the friendliest and deadliest wildlife presenters around. If you’ve never watched the BBC’s Deadly 60 then prepare yourself to bow with respect as Backshall’s fearless approach to finding the world’s deadliest animals takes him into some extremely risky and exciting situations.
Score: Whatever he darn well chooses: 9.
So, there you have it. A tie between Steve ‘Deadly 60’ Backshall and Ray ‘No Fears’ Mears. Who will the BBC consider worthy of picking up where Attenborough leaves off? Maybe a best of three competition across the disciplines of judo, animal knowledge and pure survival challenges will decide the winner. Now THAT would be a show worth watching.
Biog: Chris is an avid wildlife documentary watcher and hopes to do some filming of his own whilst on safari holidays in Africa.
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