Bill Oddie, who is fondly remembered for fronting the BBC's Springwatch with Kate Humble, has tragically died. The duo hosted the hit wildlife series together from 2005-2008 before the late 85-year-old was axed by the broadcaster. Although his exit was initially announced as a mutual decision, rumours emerged that his departure came after complaints about his behaviour during filming, which were later linked to his undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

10 years after his exit, the presenter reflected on his brutal dismissal and branded the BBC "bloody b******s," during a furious tirade. He later admitted: "I never had a proper explanation. I was called in and told, 'We won’t be asking you to make any more programmes.'" Meanwhile, it was reported that BBC viewers had also complained about his "smutty" voiceover comments during wildlife mating scenes.

The TV presenter was eventually diagnosed in 2010 with bipolar disorder and admitted to the Mirror: “Unfortunately, my bipolar element had come into it and I could be very tetchy."

As his condition was unknown to the BBC, they later issued a statement, saying: "We wish Mr Oddie a speedy recovery." Despite this, Bill was unconvinced by their sympathies and claimed: "They didn't give a damn," before calling the BBC "bloody b******s."

The presenter, who kicked off his career as part of the comedy troupe, The Goodies, also hit out at the BBC over their pay and insisted they earned as much in one year at ITV as in three at the BBC, after they switched broadcasters in 1980.

The aftermath of his Springwatch exit was almost detrimental, as the presenter candidly shared that it sparked a decline in his mental health, which resulted in him almost taking his own life on two different occasions.

Following this, Bill spent the year in the hospital recovering from clinical depression.

In 2015, he told The Guardian that he had "inherited the same genetic flaw" as his mother, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia but may have also had bipolar disorder."

Bill added: "When it was suggested to me that she might have been bipolar, a million bells rang in my head because I was heading the same way."

Following his Springwatch departure, Bill was replaced by Chris Packham, who continues to host the BBC series and its seasonal sister show, Autumnwatch.

The TV presenter's death was announced on Monday (July 27), prompting an outpouring of tributes from emotional viewers who fondly remembered the star on social media.