TV wildlife presenter Martin Hughes-Games has announced that he is quitting BBC2’s Springwatch show.
Hughes-Games has presented on the much loved programme and its sibling shows Autumnwatch and Winterwatch for the past twelve years.
But the 61-year-old Briton took to Twitter yesterday to declare his resignation.
Popular Springwatch presenter Martin Hughes-Games (pictured) has announced his resignation from the show after 12 years
He told his 51,000 followers: ‘After 12 great years I have decided to leave the watches. It’s good to go when the show is looking strong. MASSIVE thank you for yr support.’ The news comes after his role on the popular BBC series came under threat back in 2016.
In September 2016 he told his Twitter fans that he was being axed by the BBC, in order for them to meet diversity targets.
The corporation denied his claims, but his role was then changed instead of axed, after he received huge support from viewers.
Hughes-Games’ supporters claimed he was being marginalised for political correctness.
He told the Radio Times at the time: ‘Whatever I may think it’s crucially important that high profile shows like the Watches reflect diversity.
‘Chris, Michaela and I are all white and middle class so a more diverse team must present some of the films that go out.
‘It’s hard for me because it’s my living but the more I thought about it the more I thought ‘no that’s the right decision’. It has to be like that.’
The presenter from Bristol has not confirmed his reasons for leaving the show, but a colleague said: ‘He hopes that other channels see past the perceived problem that he is middle-aged, middle class, white and male and recognise him on his merits.’ Some of his fans took to Twitter, blaming ‘BBC politics’ for his resignation.
Mr Hughes-Games took to Twitter to inform his fans of his decision, although he has yet to explain exactly why he has decided to depart (pictured with other Springwatch presenters)
Ron Smith wrote: ‘I smell BBC politics in this decision, Martin. You were being pushed off last year, as I recall, until viewer kickback intervened. It’ll be interesting to see who replaces you. Best of luck.’ While another replied: ‘I have my suspicions about this. I can’t see why he’d walk away he seems to love his job on SW. I agree I’m thinking he was told he had to go so the BBC can fill in some daft race and gender quotas.’
Meanwhile, his decision to quit the series prompted support and sympathy from his social media followers.
Gray Cale tweeted: ‘No Martin please reconsider…you make the show!’ Stephen Watson wrote: ‘You will be missed!…may I wish you well for your future endeavours. You added a certain intrepid mischief to the shows.
A BBC spokesman told the Radio Times: ‘Martin has been a vital part of the success of the Watches- both on and off screen- for the past 12 years, so we’re very sad to see him go. We wish him every success in his new ventures. We’re excited to be bringing Springwatch back to BBC2 in May.’
Hughes-Games graduated with a first class degree in BSc Zoology in 1978.
He then began his career at the BBC in 1978, where he joined the natural history unit.
He then moved over to the Science and Features team in 1979, before re-joining the natural history unit in 1988.