BBC Winterwatch viewers 'switch off' as they fume 'sick of it' following Chris Packham remark

During Wednesday's episode, presenter Michaela Strachan, 59, introduced a segment about strawberry worms alongside expert Dr Patrick Collins.

Rather than relying solely on the scientist's explanation, Ms Strachan produced a pipe cleaner prop to demonstrate how the creatures capture their prey.

"We love props on this show," Ms Strachan told viewers as she manipulated the handmade model's tentacles across a painted backdrop.

The demonstration was followed by footage of aquatic microorganisms accompanied by cinematic music, with Chris Packham, 64, providing narration over the dramatic soundtrack.

Viewers flooded X, formerly known as Twitter, with complaints demanding the programme return to straightforward wildlife coverage.

"Hands up who would like a nature programme, no music, no dramatic narration, just the facts?" wrote one frustrated viewer. "I love nature, but attempts to dramatise everything or the ridiculous background music just put me completely off!"

Another posted: "Second time I've tried to watch, and it's just stupid stuff. That's not necessary. Please stop doing it and just stick to the facts, please."

One viewer pleaded: "Please don't ruin this marvellous programme with infantile props and 'funny' bits. Stick with the fantastic wildlife."

A further complaint read: "Winterwatch should be about the wildlife not puerile antics by the presenters. We're not interested, really."

Not all reactions were negative, however, with some viewers expressing enthusiasm for the visual aids, with one fan writing: "LOVING the visual aid on Winterwatch."

The programme also introduced a new segment called Nature's Traitors, inspired by the hit BBC One competition show currently airing its fourth series.

Presenters Ms Strachan and Iolo Williams donned green cloaks for the feature, which explored examples of deceptive behaviour in the animal kingdom.

Mr Packham, who joined his co-hosts for the segment, revealed he had never actually watched The Traitors.

The new series has moved to a 7pm timeslot on Tuesday evenings, specifically to avoid clashing with The Traitors broadcast on BBC One.

Mr Williams selected a gull as his example of a natural world traitor, prompting Ms Strachan to draw comparisons with comedian Alan Carr's winning performance on Celebrity Traitors.

Ms Strachen explained: "If that was a Celebrity Traitor, it would be Alan Carr, I think. It would be bold, sassy and noisy."

Mr Packham responded to Ms Strachan's comparison with a pointed remark about the comedian.

"And quite annoying," the presenter quipped live on air.

Ms Strachan quickly attempted to distance herself from the comment, telling her co-host: "I don't think you should say that."

She then added: "Sorry, Alan."

Mr Carr won the inaugural celebrity edition of The Traitors, having been selected as a Traitor by host Claudia Winkleman alongside Jonathan Ross and Cat Burns.

Of the three, only Mr Carr survived to claim victory.

The exchange prompted further viewer backlash on social media, with some announcing they were abandoning the programme entirely.

"Sick of the Traitors references I'm off," declared one viewer on X.

Another wrote: "This is a stupid feature. I couldn't give a toss about the Traitors, stop going on about it."

One viewer expressed solidarity with Packham's apparent disinterest, posting: "I'm with Chris, don't care about the Traitors program and thought I'd get away from it watching Winterwatch."

Another observed that the programme "features Chris Packham being curmudgeonly about The Traitors and sounding increasingly like Bob Fleming".

Despite the criticism, some audience members welcomed the crossover content.

One supporter commented: "Great shout #winterwatch to do nature's traitors. Human #TheTraitors, you had better watch out! Good, lighthearted piece, yet feeling educated."

The programme is broadcasting from Mount Stewart Estate on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Winterwatch, presented by Mr Packham, Ms Strachan and Mr Williams, follows its sister programmes Springwatch and Autumnwatch in documenting British wildlife adapting to seasonal conditions through a combination of pre-recorded segments and live broadcasts.

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