
Chris Packham has confessed that he’s taking a much-needed sabbatical from television after becoming ‘burned out,’ revealing that he’s’so pleased’ to spend time away from his typical duties.
Since 2009, the biologist and photographer has co-hosted the BBC series Springwatch, as well as its sister shows Autumnwatch and Winterwatch, the latter of which is now airing till Friday, January 27.
He also hosted The Really Wild Show on CBBC from 1986 to 1995, in addition to presenting a variety of other documentaries and nature shows.
However, the 61-year-old has reached a stage in his life where he requires a temporary change of scenery.
Speaking in a new interview, Chris said that he wants to get ‘off the treadmill’ as he feels slightly ‘burnt out’, but jokingly stressed that he’s ‘not going to buy a Ferrari and run off with a 20-year-old’.
‘I’ve never taken three months off work. Never. I can barely sleep I am so excited. I might have to ban [partner] Charlotte [Corney] from the studio,’ he told The Mirror.

‘I don’t want any interference or disruption, I want to get on with it. It will be good to clear my head and focus on something completely different.’
With that in mind, Chris announced that he will be pursuing his passion for sculpture in the meanwhile, utilising his time away from television to create sculptures of animals such as birds, snakes, and humpback whales.
The TV host also mentioned that his poodles Sid and Nancy will keep him company, adding that he’ll acquire an electric blanket and make a ‘huge nest of old duvets’ to keep them warm because the studio will be freezing.
In his studio, he, on the other hand, will be wrapped up in a Puffa jacket.
Chris made headlines last year when he released a poo-themed calendar that was actually filled with images of animal waste.
He explained at the time that poo is ‘packed full of interesting aromas and masses of important stuff that cutting-edge science needs to better understand and help conserve so many species’.
Winterwatch is airing from Tuesday January 24 until Friday January 27 at 8pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.