The likes of Piers Morgan and James Martin have paid tribute to iconic nature TV presenter David Bellamy, who died today aged 86.
The Conservation Foundation he formed confirmed the news of the popular figure’s death today.
‘The Conservation Foundation is greatly saddened to announce the death on 11th December 2019 of Professor David Bellamy OBE, our co-founder and President,’ a statement read on Twitter. ‘The Foundation was very special to David and he was very special to us.’
Taking to Twitter this afternoon after the news broke, Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan shared a message alongside a photo of a smiling David.
He wrote: ‘RIP David Bellamy, 86. A brilliant naturalist, broadcaster & character.’
RIP David Bellamy, 86.
A brilliant naturalist, broadcaster & character. pic.twitter.com/dKgxHVE3Ew— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 11, 2019
While comedian and writer Danny Wallace wrote: ‘The day Greta got the TIME cover, David Bellamy knew he had done enough.
‘Slowly, he laid back in his bed, closed his eyes, and hit the button marked “Dr Who Regeneration Music”.’
The day Greta got the TIME cover, David Bellamy knew he had done enough.
Slowly, he laid back in his bed, closed his eyes, and hit the button marked “Dr Who Regeneration Music”.
— Danny Wallace ?? (@dannywallace) December 11, 2019
Chef James Martin simply wrote: ‘RIP David Bellamy, a legend.’
Controversial broadcaster Danny Baker added his thoughts, as he wrote: ‘David Bellamy has gone. A truly brilliant and canny broadcaster. Thoughts with @LennyHenry at this time.’
Of course, he inspired Sir Lenny Henry’s affectionate ‘grapple me grapenuts’ catchphrase…
Sad to hear the news about David Bellamy. A real character and a man who cared about nature and our environment deeply.
— David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) December 11, 2019
Actor David Morrissey added: ‘Sad to hear the news about David Bellamy. A real character and a man who cared about nature and our environment deeply.’
London-born Bellamy was a household name as a TV personality, scientist and conservationist.
He achieved wider recognition following his work on the Torrey Canyon oil spill in 1967, leading to the launch of his TV career.
He had a distinctive voice and quickly became a popular presenter on programmes such as Don’t Ask Me. He also fronted his own shows, including Bellamy On Botany, Bellamy’s Britain, Bellamy’s Europe and Bellamy’s Backyard Safari.
Bellamy leaves behind a wife, Rosemary, and five children.
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