Springwatch bombarded with complaints minutes into show as presenter makes huge blunder live on air
SPRINGWATCH viewers were left fuming following a blunder made by one of the show’s presenters.
The long-running BBC wildlife series returned for its 20th series on May 27, although fans were swiftly annoyed during Monday’s episode.
Hosts Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan were at the helm once again while the programme includes live updates from various locations throughout the UK.
Joining them was Chris’ conservationist stepdaughter Megan McCubbin, who was presenting the latest nature updates from Loch Lomond in Scotland.
During the programme, Megan said: “It certainly is bonnie over here in the region of Loch Lomond, you can see Ben Lomond behind me and a smaller loch, but it’s just as beautiful.”
She continued: “And we’re here for a really precise reason. Loch Lomond has got so many habitats that surround it, making it a really fascinating place.
“The loch itself is the largest loch by surface area, with 27.4 square miles, and the third deepest.
“So if you stacked two Statue of Liberties on top of each other, well, then you get to the surface of Loch Lomond.”
However, fans were quick to notice the 28-year-old had been mispronouncing a key word during her report.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one viewer wrote: “Can someone please teach Megan how to say Loch properly, it’s not a lock! #springwatch.”
“Can someone please teach her how to say ‘Loch’… #Springwatch,” another echoed.
A third fumed: “I love Springwatch but can Megan please pronounce Loch as it should be and not as she is doing, Lock!”
A fourth moaned: “#bbcspringwatch Please can someone teach Megan how to pronounce Loch properly.”
Another complained: “Lock Lomond? Is that part of a canal? #Springwatch,” while a fellow fan commented: “Can someone please teach her how to say ‘Loch’… #Springwatch.”
Other viewers praised Megan’s presentation, as well as the information she conveyed at the loch, as one enthused: “Lovely to see @MeganMcCubbin at Loch Lomond on tonight’s #Springwatch!”
Megan has been at the centre of a nepotism row due to her family link to Chris Packham, as some fans took issue with Megan landing a prominent hosting spot.
Everything you need to know about Springwatch
Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom
It’s presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin
Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively
Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset
A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two
The show’s popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch
Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022
Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts
The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King
Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011
One blasted: “Bit of nepotism going on on @Springwatch Chris Packham’s stepdaughter Megan McCubbin taking over the regular presenters.”
A second cruelly said: “Her voice grates, and she needs to take a breath occasionally.”
While another viewer posted in her defence: “One thing that struck me watching Springwatch tonight is just what a talented presenter Megan McCubbin is. Intelligent, funny and natural, she is going to go very far.”
Springwatch airs on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.