Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams’ life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show

Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams' life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for both nature and resilience, I wholeheartedly admire Iolo Williams. His career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring; from his humble beginnings chronicling the lives of Snowdonia’s inhabitants to becoming a beloved figure in British television.


Iolo Williams is set to return to TV screens on Monday with his four-part series Iolo’s Valleys. 

Originally broadcast on BBC Wales in May, the program has since been scheduled for a 7 pm airtime on BBC Two. The upcoming series will take viewers along with the wildlife presenter as he delves into regions surrounding the Swansea Valley to uncover its wonders.

In the first episode, Iolo, who is 61 years old, begins an adventure following the Upper Clydach river, aiming to discover a Dipper’s nest concealed by a rock shelter.

As the show unfolds, audiences will find Iolo coming across a Black Tailed Skimmer, Water Voles, a soaring Buzzard, and Adders basking by a rugby field in the heart of the valleys.

Iolo is primarily recognized for his contributions to BBC’s shows like The Watches (Winterwatch, Springwatch, and Autumnwatch), and he officially became a regular host of these beloved wildlife series in 2019.

Over the past year, I’ve been living and breathing every moment of Springwatch, eagerly awaiting my chance to be part of it all. Sadly, fate took an unexpected turn when I found myself collapsing during a six-mile run in the heart of nature – I had experienced a heart attack. Consequently, I was forced to step back from my role as presenter for Springwatch last year.

IOLO WILLIAMS CAREER 

Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams' life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show

Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams' life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show

Since the 1990s, Iolo has been a well-known figure on television. His journey in the media began with BBC Two’s series, “Visions of Snowdonia,” which followed the lives of six people living and working on Wales’ highest mountain.

Born and brought up in Wales, this 61-year-old individual spent 15 years working as a Species Officer for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Later on, they transitioned into the role of a presenter.

When the BBC Two show was renewed for a second season in 1999, Iolo decided to part ways with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and dedicate himself entirely to a career in media instead.

After transitioning to a full-time career, he has hosted programs like “Canals of Wales with Iolo Williams,” “Iolo’s Natural History of Wales,” “Wild Wales,” “Rugged Wales,” and “Great Welsh Parks.”

Despite his successful career in television, Iolo has also published several books, and boasts five titles to his name. 

Among his published works are: “Year of Iolo” (2003), “Journal” (2004), “Crazy About the Wild” (2005), “Wild Spots Wales” (2016), and “Wild Spots UK” (2019).

Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams' life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show
Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams' life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show

IOLO WILLIAMS’ WIFE 

Iolo is married to his wife Ceri Williams and the pair share two children together, Dewi and Tomos.

They also have two rescue dogs Ianto and Gwen, who have both appeared in some of his shows.   

As a lifestyle enthusiast residing just beyond the charming town of Newtown, Powys, my partner and I nurture a thriving wildlife sanctuary in our very own backyard. This haven not only serves as a tranquil retreat for us but also offers a bountiful harvest of fresh produce we cultivate ourselves.

However, the two like to keep their personal life out of the media. 

IOLO WILLIAMS’ HEALTH SCARE

Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams' life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show
Inside Springwatch star lolo Williams' life off-screen: From wife Ceri and their two children to deadly health scare as presenter airs new BBC2 show

In May 2023, Iolo left his nature program audience in awe after disclosing that he suffered an unexpected heart attack, compelling him to withdraw from the show.

The host of Springwatch had to leave the show due to serious issues that occurred after his operation to insert a stent into one of his arteries.

The treatment involves inserting a short, wire mesh tube that acts like a scaffold, called a stent, to widen and open up narrowed or blocked arteries supplying the heart muscle.   

As per the NHS, the process involves potential complications like damage to blood vessels, adverse allergic responses, and abnormal bleeding.

He revealed to his followers: ‘I had a heart attack and it was very unexpected.’

‘I keep fit, I’ve been playing rugby ever since I was 45, I run two to three times a week.’ 

In April, Iolo underwent a procedure where a stent was placed, however, issues related to a blood clot led him to withdraw from his much-admired nature television series.

In my own words, I’d like to clarify a common misconception: It’s not the end of the road for me just yet! My remarkable friendships, loving family, and the outstanding National Health Service have been instrumental in keeping me going strong.

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2024-08-13 04:36

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