BBC Winterwatch host Chris Packham has shared that his dream EastEnders cameo would see him leading an environmental protest in Albert Square when the new series returns.
Chris Packham has voiced his wish to make a guest appearance on BBC1’s soap EastEnders to help raise awareness of environmental issues.
He explained: “If you’re asking about my ideal TV cameo, it would be in Albert Square during an environmental disaster, like a flood, to really show people the reality of climate breakdown.”
The 64-year-old naturalist also expressed frustration that many people complain about rising food prices without fully understanding why. “Some of these increases are caused by climate change leading to food shortages and failed crops. Bringing these issues into mainstream conversation would be fantastic.”
In his ideal scenario, Chris would appear as himself and stage a protest that leaves everyone in the Queen Vic baffled. “Marching through Albert Square with a placard to spark a conversation about the changes we need to make—that’s my dream,” he laughed.
“If you know the editor, give them a nudge! I’d be more than happy to organise a protest about fossil fuels or flooding,” he told the Mirror.
The 64-year-old presenter has also made it clear that reality TV isn’t for him. “I do get invites from time to time, but I follow Clint Eastwood’s advice: ‘A man’s got to know his limitations,'” he said.
“I think if you’re going to take part in those shows, you need some level of skill. I can’t dance, and I can’t cook—so those aren’t for me.”
Chris will return to screens this Tuesday alongside co-presenters Iolo Williams and Michaela Strachan for the new series of BBC2’s Winterwatch. One of the key topics up for discussion is the future of feeding wild birds in our gardens—a much-loved national pastime.
In the UK, we spend £350 million each year on bird seed and feeders, but Chris warns that we may need to rethink our habits to protect our feathered friends. The BBC presenter admits that “the jury’s out” on whether we should stop, due to the risk of disease spreading through saliva—a controversial topic that will be explored throughout the week-long programme.
“We’re really between a rock and a hard place, and some difficult decisions will have to be made,” he said.
Chris, 64, acknowledges that change is necessary but expects it will take time, as feeding birds—especially in winter—is considered a “national institution” in Britain. “I think at first people won’t follow it,” he admitted.
“It’s like picking up dog mess—that didn’t happen overnight, but now most people do it. In some areas, feeding birds may be fine, while in others it might not be. On Winterwatch, we’ll look at the scientific research and share it with the public so they can make informed choices.”
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