Chris Packham is to deliver the next edition of the prestigious BAFTA Television Lecture.
The 58-year-old conservationist will give his personal view on creative excellence in TV and his vision for the future – following in the footsteps of the likes of Armando Iannucci, Sir Lenny Henry, and Stephen Fry – on January 21st 2020 at London’s Barbican Centre, and he is "grateful" for the opportunity.
He said: "I am honoured to be asked to deliver the BAFTA Television Lecture.
"There is no more important time to be asking what more the TV industry can do to inspire behaviour change and to protect our natural world, and I’m grateful to BAFTA for the opportunity."
The annual Lecture aims to drive debate around creativity in broadcasting, in line with BAFTA’s charitable mission to bring the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and support the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally.
Hannah Wyatt, Chair of BAFTA’s Television Committee, added: "Chris Packham is a highly respected presenter and naturalist and, throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in increasing the public’s understanding of the natural world through his informative documentaries and campaigning work.
"We are delighted that he is delivering the BAFTA Television Lecture, where BAFTA aims to provide a platform for debate around excellence in broadcasting."
Chris was recently outspoken about the use of animals on ‘I’m A Celerity… Get Me Out Of Here!’, and he called for the show’s hosts Ant and Dec to help put a stop to it.
He said: "When I see them being harmed or killed for entertainment, I wonder if we are not in the Middle Ages.
"It’s about change. People have to accept that we have to make changes now.
"I have never met Ant and Dec but rest assured if I did, I would be chatting about it. But it’s the programme producers I’d really like to get in a room."
Two years ago, bosses came under wife when Vanessa White was seen holding live bugs in her mouth during a trial.
An ITV spokesman said: "As a production, ‘I’m A Celebrity’ complies with all regional and national laws concerning the use of insects animals and reptiles."
And Chris previously told BANG Showbiz: "I’d 100 per cent turn down ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ or ‘Bear Grylls’ because those animals are being used for nothing but entertainment. It’s nothing more than a shabby circus, it’s frankly disgusting."
Chris Packham to deliver BAFTA Television Lecture
