Oddie responds to 'Springwatch' criticism

Bill Oddie has hit back at "hurtful" criticism of his performance as presenter of Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Oddie has attracted attention for frequently interrupting his co-host Kate Humble on the BBC nature programmes.

The presenter has now admitted that he thinks unfavourable comments made about his hosting style on internet message boards are unnecessary.

"Some of it is actually deeply hurtful," he told the Daily Record. "Kate hears more of what's going on in the background than I do. She knows more of what's going on behind the scenes. I don't realise that I'm interrupting."

Bill also revealed that working on the shows has started to spoil his enjoyment of the great outdoors.

"I've got to the stage where my work is taking the edge off the enjoyment," he explained. "I can't go for a walk without thinking, 'How would I film this? What would I say about that?'"