Wild Show's Terry Nutkins dies

Broadcaster and naturalist Terry Nutkins has died months after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

His agent John Miles said Mr Nutkins died at home in Scotland on Thursday, adding: "He had fought for about nine months or so with acute leukaemia."

Nutkins found fame as co-presenter of the BBC children's show Animal Magic with Johnny Morris and also featured in The Really Wild Show.

The 66-year-old Londoner, who is survived by his wife, eight children and eight grandchildren, made his home in Glenelg on the west coast of Scotland, near the Isle of Skye.

Mr Miles said: "He was an absolutely lovely guy and just loved animals, and he was never happier than when he was with animals. We will all miss him very, very much."

Nutkins grew up near Marylebone station and bunked off school to help out at London Zoo, where his expertise with animals became obvious.

He was sent to Scotland at the age of 11 to work with Ring Of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell and help care for wild otters. It was there that he lost the tips of two fingers after he was bitten by one of his animals.

Maxwell eventually became his legal guardian and Nutkins made the west coast of Scotland his home.

Tributes flooded in online with Phillip Schofield tweeting: "So sad to hear of the death of Terry Nutkins. I worked with him often in my 'broom cupboard' days. A delightful man & passionate naturalist."

Ben Fogle said: "Very sad to hear the sad passing of Terry Nutkins. He was one of my childhood inspirations."