The Really Wild Show presenter Terry Nutkins dies aged 66

Wildlife TV personality Terry Nutkins with a bronze sculpture of himself in 2010. Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Archive

Broadcaster and naturalist Terry Nutkins, famous for appearances in Animal Magic and The Really Wild Show, has died months after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

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

His agent John Miles said Mr Nutkins died at home in Scotland yesterday, adding:

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

Aged 11, he was sent to Scotland 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 the animals.

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

Celebrities Phillip Schofield and Ben Fogle paid tribute to Nutkins on Twiiter.

Director of children's programmes at the BBC Joe Godwin said: