Springwatch’s Megan McCubbin speaks out over backlash to ‘inappropriate’ remarks on BBC show
MEGAN McCubbin has responded to backlash she’s received from Springwatch fans over an ‘inappropriate’ she made.
The presenter and zoologist was presenting the beloved wildlife show earlier this month when the incident took place.
Megan, 28, was live from Scotland while her step-dad Chris Packham was in Dorset with Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams.
During the show the trio crossed live to Megan who was on beaver watch with a crew.
As Michaela introduced the segment, she told viewers: “Would you prefer to see Chris and his flies, Iolo and his badgers or Megan and her beavers?”
But as Megan delivered her live link, she asked her cameraman: “Have we seen any beaver action?”
However, the playful humour didn’t go down well with Springwatch viewers at home who were left furious by the exchange.
Raging on social media, one fan said: “Great success reintroduction of beavers to the UK. Natures engineers. Shame about the predictable playground humour on here. #springwatch.”
A second said: “Actually the beaver is a cute animal, not sure what people mean on here. It’s a family-friendly show guys#springwatch.”
Responding to the backlash, Megan has now defended herself and insisted the innuendo was not intentional.
She explained to The Mirror: “The whole beaver item, there was no intentional innuendo.
“I mean, just seeing that beaver live the other day, I [was] so excited. It was just great beaver action. You can’t rename an animal, it’s called what it’s called. You say the word beaver and people start giggling.
“I mean, it is the scientific name of an animal but people have fun with it and if it makes people laugh that’s all part of the fun!”
Springwatch came to an end last week as Chris and Michaela said goodbye to viewers.
Before they signed off, they confirmed Winterwatch would be back on air next January with Springwatch following later in 2025.
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