CHRIS Packham has hit back at the BBC for cancelling Autumnwatch by launching his own nature show online.
Earlier this year, the broadcaster axed the beloved wildlife series after 17 years on air, leaving show fans and its hosts extremely disappointed.
Autumnwatch presenter Chris has responded to BBC's surprise cancellation of the show by starting his own on free-to-view YouTube live from a Surrey nature hotspot titled 8 out of 10 Bats.
The nature and conservation expert will stream live from the British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield, which is home to the most exquisite collection of native species in the UK.
Chris has spent around £50,000 on the show, dubbed a 'DIY operation' which will feature a diverse collection of young naturalist presenters, filmmakers, conservationists and campaigners all under the age of 25.
From October 30 until November 2, the 62-year-old along with his stepdaughter Megan McCubbin, will broadcast four hour-long episodes for the magazine-style show from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
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Speaking to SurreyLive, Chris explained: "At a time when we are being constantly bombarded with so much negative news about our precious wildlife.
"We want to share our passion for what we love most – all that unparalleled wonder for our natural world which grips young and old alike.
"8 Out Of 10 Bats is about being excited by a love of life, everything which slimes, slithers or stings. But it's also about making sure young people have a voice and an opportunity to showcase their extraordinary abilities."
The BBC host has promised that the show will be passionate, fascinating and educational, featuring topical films, hilarious props, informative demonstrations, and plenty of live wildlife cameras.
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Show presenter Megan spoke about the upcoming gig and said: "If you're feeling starved of wildlife TV this autumn, then 8 Out Of 10 Bats will bring some joy and escapism to these darker evenings and celebrate the species on our doorstep and beyond.
"The British Wildlife Centre is a spectacular location, and I can't wait to get started and our wildlife nerdiness on!"
The series will air via YouTube from Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Scotland and the British Wildlife Centre.
The Beeb has stated that the decision to axe AutumnWatch was due to 'challenging financial times' and 'difficult decisions' left it needing to 'focus resources on content with the highest impact'.
Autumnwatch fans efficiently joined forces and created a petition to save the show, picking up nearly 100,000 signatures.
The broadcaster listened and gave fans a three-part special on The One Show, which featured the original presenters Chris, Michaela Strachan and Gillian Burke.
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