'It really began because I just jolly well wanted to go abroad'

Nation’s favourite naturalist celebrates 70 years on screen

- Nicola Methven

SIR David Attenborough celebrates 70 years as a TV presenter on December 21, but hosting shows about the natural world did not come naturally to the national treasure.

The star, 98, had no ambitions to be on the telly - and has even claimed he only got involved in his first wildlife show, Zoo Quest, "because I just jolly well wanted to go abroad".

David said he and his reptile expert friend Jack Lester "cooked up" the idea for the programme over a cuppa.

"I said, 'It seems dreadful we can't think of some excuse for going abroad together to the tropics' - because Jack was an experienced animal collector.

"We decided over that cup of tea the zoo should send someone to collect animals and the BBC should send a film team.