Terry Nutkins
Amazing but true – Terry Nutkins, nature-loving TV wildlife star never saw the countryside as a child.He grew up in crowded central London overlooking Marylebone Station where he’d watch black-headed gulls wheeling overhead and trains setting off below.
At eight he skipped school to explore his nearest countryside - Regent’s Park– and climbed into London Zoo to find himself in the elephant enclosure. The keepers took pity on the boy with wildlife in his eyes and let him help with chores.
Terry was soon working there during every spare moment. His expertise quickly matched his enthusiasm and when staff were asked if they could nominate a youngster to help author Gavin Maxwell care for wild otters on the West coast of Scotland, Terry was chosen. He was only 11.
He’ll never forget waking up on the overnight sleeper and seeing his first mountains. He’s never set eyes on anything so beautiful.
He became so committed to Gavin Maxwell’s work that the author of the world-famous Ring of Bright Water became his legal guardian, ensuring that Terry could live in Scotland permanently.
Terry developed into a leading authority on marine mammals and when Johnny Morris then Britain’s best-loved animal show presenter, needed someone to introduce a short piece on dolphins for the BBC’s top-rated Animal Magic, he immediately thought of Terry Nutkins.
This then led to a 7-year spell on Animal Magic. He was soon co-presenter, specialising in underwater filming with marine mammals and British wildlife – and acting as funnyman to Johnny Morris.
Terry scored an even greater personal success as presenter of the Really Wild Show. It walked off with the BAFTA award for Children’s Best Factual Programme…and won two more BAFTA awards during its 5-year run.
The Really Wild Roadshow was a natural follow-up, involving live performances with animals and audience participation.
Growing Up Wild saw Terry launch the BBC into Sunday morning nature programmes. The 11.am BBC2 slot was an adventurous gamble which paid off magnificently with 2 million-plus viewing figures, one of the best-ever ratings for a children’s weekend show.
Pets Win Prizes on BBC1 had Terry abandoning his beloved jeans and sweaters for more formal attire for introducing this light-hearted evening entertainment with the public showing off their pets performing in simple contests.
Terry’s further triumphs include presenting Brilliant Creatures (ITV), he headed Abbey Millennium Scotland, restoring the historic Fort Augustus Abbey on the shores of Loch Ness, and in March 2004 Terry took part in “I’m Famous & Frightened” live from Chillingham Castle for Living TV. On September 17th 2006 Terry appeared in the Tribute to Steve Irwin documentary, ITV1.
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