Wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham has put himself forward for a guest spot on EastEnders, revealing he already has a specific part in mind: a climate protestor on Albert Square.
The Springwatch host, who has fronted the BBC nature programme alongside its seasonal counterparts Autumnwatch and Winterwatch since 2009, told Radio Times he sees the soap as a vehicle for reaching viewers who would never normally encounter his environmental messaging.
A prolific author and longstanding campaigner on ecological issues, Mr Packham believes the BBC soap’s massive audience offers an opportunity to engage people who do not typically seek out coverage of the climate emergency.
Over the years, Walford has hosted everyone from prime ministers and royals to pop stars and drag queens.
Chris Packham is keen to land a role in the BBC soap
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GETTYIn his interview, Mr Packham expressed frustration at the gap between those who grasp the severity of the environmental emergency and those who do not.
“There is a growing awareness of the scale of the crisis that we find ourselves in.
“I don’t think there’s enough truth telling within broader media to bring it home to everyone,” he told the publication.
The presenter said he finds it alarming that awareness of the crisis appears confined to people already engaged with the subject, while others remain oblivious or dismissive.
Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams on Autumnwatch
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BBC“The trouble is, I keep popping that bubble and looking outside, and I see that other people are not aware of the gravity of that crisis, or some of them are still in the position where actually they’re denying… and that’s really scary,” he added.
Mr Packham argued that environmental messaging needs to be embedded across mainstream programming rather than remaining siloed in specialist content.
He wants climate issues addressed properly within news bulletins and weather forecasts, where discussions should encompass the broader climate picture rather than simply reporting daily conditions.
“So, what I would like to see is that integrated into broader output, so properly into news obviously, properly into weather where we talk about climate as well as weather – but also into dramas,” he said.
Mr Packham argued that environmental messaging needs to be embedded across mainstream programming
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BBC
Soaps have long been recognised for their capacity to generate public discussion around significant social issues, and Mr Packham clearly views drama as an untapped channel for environmental communication.
His pitch to EastEnders bosses represents an attempt to break out of what he sees as an echo chamber of the already converted.
British soaps have previously tackled the climate emergency collectively.
In 2021, a crossover event timed to coincide with the COP26 Conference saw Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Doctors, Holby City and Casualty collaborate.
Over the years, Walford has hosted everyone from prime ministers and royals to pop stars and drag queens
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BBCCharacters form each soap popped up across different programmes throughout the week to raise awareness.
Emmerdale’s Dr Liam Cavanagh, for instance, filmed a video about growing vegetables on his allotment, which was subsequently viewed by characters on Coronation Street.
Clips of the Letherbridge World Warrior battling pollution also featured across the shows.
Emmerdale actor Jonny McPherson, reflecting on the crossover at the time, told 5 News: “The nice thing about it is that it doesn’t feel preachy. There’s another preaching going on with politicians and programs generally. I just feel like it’s quite a fun way of starting a conversation about it all.”