Packham

BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham has shared a health update with fans after visiting hospital this week

Beloved Springwatch host Chris Packham has opened up about a worrying health scare that saw him rushed to Southampton hospital after spotting an alarming symptom, which led to an invasive procedure to obtain a biopsy.

This comes after his co-star Michaela Strachan was supported by fans after sharing baby news.

The BBC naturalist admitted the medical emergency required immediate investigation, telling supporters he’d anticipated the experience would be “a bit unpleasant and uncomfortable”.

He underwent both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy following the discovery of a polyp, and revealed the ordeal proved far less daunting than he’d feared.

The wildlife campaigner updated his numerous Instagram followers from the hospital café as he documented the journey online.

He admitted: “I got to watch it all… it was better than everything I saw on Netflix last night.”

A gastroscopy, alternatively termed an upper endoscopy, involves a physician using an extended, bendable tube equipped with a camera to inspect the upper digestive tract, encompassing the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

A colonoscopy, meanwhile, is a diagnostic examination of the large intestine’s lining utilising an elongated, flexible tube fitted with a camera, known as a colonoscope.

The procedure is carried out to explore symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding, to check for bowel cancer, or to keep track of pre-existing health issues.

Chris verified that doctors had extracted a small polyp and that he’s currently awaiting the biopsy findings, reports the Express.

Despite facing uncertainty, he stayed positive and took the opportunity to commend the team caring for him. “I just want to say a massive thank you to all of the staff and volunteers working at this hospital and, of course, to the NHS,” he said.

“Whatever happens going forward, we’ve got to protect our NHS.”

However, the wildlife presenter’s hospital experience took an unexpected turn when he encountered one of the hospital’s cuddliest guests, Tinker the poodle. The adorable dog was visiting alongside charity volunteer Carmella, collecting donations for the Muscle Help Foundation.

The organisation delivers life-transforming “Muscle Dream Experiences” for youngsters living with muscular dystrophy. Chris was deeply touched by their cause and promised to promote their donation link, encouraging anyone able to contribute even a modest sum to support them.

“I know it’s tough times,” he said, “but anything you can afford would be most welcome.”

He remarked that the duo had been given a “fantastic welcome” at the hospital, before adding with humour: “What a place – sensational. And finishing off with a poodle… that’s what you call service!”.

This marks Chris ‘most recent health disclosure, with the broadcaster being remarkably candid about his wellbeing on social media, discussing extensively his experiences living with Asperger’s Syndrome, which he was diagnosed with aged 40 following years of feeling unlike others around him.

People were quick to comment on the post with one person saying: “Great sharing your experience of undergoing a colonoscopy Chris! Super important for men to make sure they get checked out if ever concerned!”

Someone else wrote: “Sending so much love and so pleased all went well and it’s over.” As another added: “I hope all goes well for you…take care of yourself you have spent your life dedicating to others.”

Chris Packham, 64, has opened up about his mental health battles and how he once ‘didn’t want to be on this planet any longer’, but his beloved pets gave him ‘purpose’

Chris Packham has poignantly disclosed that his pets provided him with ‘purpose’ during his lowest moments, confessing: “My dogs saved my life.”

The much-loved wildlife expert is set to grace our screens again on Monday, May 26, with the return of the beloved series Springwatch, where he will co-host with his long-time colleague Michaela Strachan.

Despite his cheerful television presence, the 64-year-old has spoken out about his struggles with mental health and a time when he “didn’t want to be on this planet any longer”.

In an intimate chat with Country Living, Chris, who rose to fame with the ’80s hit show The Really Wild Show, revealed: “My dogs saved my life.”

He elaborated: “I’ve been in some dark places. I was so miserable I didn’t want to be on this planet any longer, but my dogs took that choice away. They gave me the gift of purpose – and it’s the reason I’m still here,” reports Gloucestershire Live.

The devoted animal enthusiast expressed how his connection with his Poodles was so profound that he “couldn’t break it”.

He remarked: “I used to call my previous dogs ‘my joy grenades’. I’d let them off the lead, and they’d run for the sheer joy of running. It didn’t matter how miserable I was, that would always put a smile on my face.”

Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 44, Chris notes that individuals on the autism spectrum can often form even stronger bonds with dogs.

“I think it’s because we’re never judged. We are always accepted by that animal: the bonds are very tight,” he explained.

“Dogs offer us unconditional love. They are always pleased to see us. We trust them implicitly. I sleep with my dogs, we eat the same thing. I have an enormous responsibility and duty of care to make sure that my dogs are happy and healthy.”

Springwatch is celebrating its 20th year with a brand new segment called Springwatch Street, giving viewers a glimpse into the hidden lives of urban wildlife like foxes and swifts.

Ahead of the new series, Chris spoke about his relationship with co-host Michaela, saying: “We’re great friends. We know each other really well, so sometimes we may disagree about something, and the team may look at us and think, ‘Oh my goodness, the presenters have fallen out!’

“But we haven’t. We don’t get upset about those things. We don’t have to agree about everything. We just move on. So, the fact that we’re great, lifelong, trusted mates helps, but also that we work in very different ways in terms of way that we approach our job.”

Springwatch returns to BBC Two from Monday, May 26 at 8pm

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