September 20th 2024.
The news of Tony Soper's passing at the age of 95 has saddened many in the television industry. Known as a highly influential figure, Soper co-founded the BBC's Natural History Unit and paved the way for wildlife television as we know it today. Colleagues and friends, including TV host Lorraine Kelly, have paid tribute to his legacy and kind nature.
Lorraine, who has known Soper since her early days as a TV presenter, shared her memories of him on her show. She fondly remembers him as one of her first guests on TV-am, where he spoke about his book on owls. She describes him as a joy and delight to interview, a sentiment shared by many who had the pleasure of working with him.
Soper's journey in the BBC began at the young age of 17, when he joined as a "youth-in-training". He quickly rose through the ranks and became a features producer for radio, working on popular shows like Birds In Britain. Eventually, he made the transition to television and played a crucial role in the first live wildlife broadcast, Wild Geese in Winter, in 1954.
Lorraine also sat down with Soper for an interview on TV-am, where she remembers him as a "wonderful" man. This interview was just one of the many live programmes that Soper produced throughout his career, including Animal Magic with Johnny Morris and Nature. He was also the lead presenter for a current affairs series called Nature in the 80s.
Soper's passion for wildlife and his talent for presenting made him a pioneer in the field of wildlife television. He paved the way for future generations of presenters, including the famous Sir David Attenborough. His legacy will continue to inspire and his impact will never be forgotten.
As we remember and honor Tony Soper, let us also keep his loved ones in our thoughts. If you have a celebrity story or any memories of Soper you'd like to share, please get in touch with The Agency entertainment team. They can be reached via email, phone, or through their Submit Stuff page.
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