Broadcaster and conservationist Sir David Attenborough is officially 100 years old – yet another thing he can add to his seemingly endless list of achievements.
The Planet Earth presenter, who has been a British TV staple for 75 years, is currently celebrating becoming a centenarian with a live event on BBC One tonight, with a host of stars stopping by to deliver birthday messages to the man who put nature documentaries on the map.
From his memorable gorilla encounter to meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II and taking to the Glastonbury stage, tonight’s live show will look back on Sir David’s career-making moments with special performances from Bastille’s Dan Smith, Icelandic band Sigur Rós, and British singer Sienna Spiro.
Get your tissues ready as we prepare for what will undoubtedly be one of the most emotional TV events of the year.
Prince William delivers moving speech: ‘Your friendship has been profound’
Prince William has delivered a speech as the live special comes to an end, thanking Sir David Attenborough for his friendship.
“For me personally, your friendship has been profound. You have strengthened my own determination to act, to work with those who are raising awareness of the challenges and building the solutions that drive meaningful change,” he said.
“Thank you for your wisdom, your kindness, your dedication and for reminding us always of the wonder of the world we call home.”
Dame Judi Dench, Olivia Colman and Paddington send birthday wishes
A number of Sir David’s celebrity fans sent their birthday messages via video tonight, from Dame Judi Dench and Paddington to Coldway’s Chris Martin doing his best impression of the broadcaster.
Opening the video montage, Dame Judi – who’s only nine years off of 100 herself – said: “Sir David, happy birthday and how lucky we are to be able to get this opportunity to thank you for all the things that you’ve told us and taught us – tortoise is a rather good word.”
She was joined by Olivia Colman, Kate Winslet, Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis, Ben Fogle and Chris Martin. While singer Raye told Sir David that his voice “is a gift to this earth” – get him on a track asap!
Paddington Bear (described as an “explorer” by the BBC) also got in on the action, thanking Sir David on behalf of all bears everywhere.
Sir Michael Palin brings Mount Everest to Sir David
The delightful Sir Michael Palin took to the stage to talk about getting competitive with Sir David Attenborough – before presenting the birthday broadcaster with a chunk of Mount Everest (the one place Sir David has never made it to) dating back to 1926, the year he was born.
Unfortunately, Kirsty Young broke the news that the slab of mountain had to return to the Natural History Museum, with it having popped out for the night.
New sleep paralysis demon just dropped
If you’ve ever wondered what Benedict Cumberbatch looked like in infrared vision, now you don’t have to – as he’ll also be haunting your nightmares thanks to the BBC.
TV presenter Anna Demetriou was showing off some of the latest camera technology, which detects heat and is used by cameramen to film animals at night, when she took the opportunity to find Benedict Cumberbatch in the crowd.
“You look quite hot,” she said. Steady on, Anna – his wife is right there!
The King sends a birthday message to Sir David – via the scenic route
While everyone turning 100 receives a handwritten letter from the King, Sir David Attenborough obviously didn’t get your bog-standard centenarian treatment.
In a VT, viewers watched as King Charles III sent his “warmest congratulations” to the broadcaster, writing: “It is amazing to think that you and I have known one another for more than 60 years. Indeed, I believe we first met in 1958, almost a decade before the age of colour television.”
“Over those decades, you have revealed a beauty and wonders of nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways. In so doing, you have shared my determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious planet and all life on earth for future generations.”
The letter was then delivered across the country (technically from central London to Richmond) by dog, eagle, porcupine, swan, duck, fox, owl and deer among other animals in a twee twist. Royal Mail, you had one job!
Bastille’s Dan Smith takes us back to 2013
Dan Smith from pop band Bastille (remember them?) takes to the stage for the first performance of the night with his orchestral rendition of “Pompeii” – arguably the most overplayed song of 2013.
The hit song featured on the soundtrack of Planet Earth III ten years after its release.
Sir David Attenborough receives a standing ovation
Sir David Attenborough receives a well earned standing ovation and takes a bow from his box in the Royal Albert Hall – with the centenarian seen sitting next to Prince William at the live event.
While the BBC had not previously confirmed whether the broadcaster would be attending his own birthday bash, it simply wouldn’t be a fitting celebration without the man himself!
The show gets off to a (slightly terrifying) start
If you can’t bring wild animals to the Royal Albert Hall, then you get the next best thing – which is apparently these somewhat unnerving puppet animals.
Kirsty Young kicked off the live broadcast from outside the venue alongside gorilla and ram life-size puppets, created by The Herds.
As impressive as they are, I’ll stick to the living versions.
From Benedict Cumberbatch to Gillian Anderson: the stars show up for Sir David’s birthday
Forget the Bafta red carpet – Sir David Attenborough’s birthday bash is the place to be this weekend, with the stars showing out in force at the Royal Albert Hall.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Gillian Anderson have been pictured heading into the event, while Strictly’s Tasha Ghouri and Radio 1 presenter Greg James are also attending.
Sir David’s nephew Michael Attenborough, presenter Ade Adepitan, Springwatch’s Chris Packham and broadcaster Muriel Gray have also appeared on the red carpet.
What time does David Attenborough’s birthday bash?
There’s not long to go until Sir David Attenborough’s live BBC birthday kicks off – with the big event due to start at 8:30pm on BBC One.
Those staying in to celebrate from their living rooms can expect appearances from Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham among other broadcasters.
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 19:40NewerOlder