The return of BBC Two's beloved nature programme Winterwatch was overshadowed by controversy on Tuesday evening, as host Chris Packham's on-air quip about comedian Alan Carr sparked viewer backlash and prompted some to declare they were switching off.
Traitors-themed segment divides audience
Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams introduced a new feature called Nature's Traitors during their broadcast from the stunning Mount Stewart Estate in County Down, Northern Ireland. The segment drew inspiration from the popular reality competition series The Traitors, which is currently airing its fourth season on BBC One.
Michaela and Iolo donned green cloaks for the lighthearted segment, while Chris admitted he had never actually watched the programme they were referencing. The trio proceeded to identify 'traitors' from the natural world, with Iolo selecting a gull as his example.
Packham's 'annoying' comment sparks controversy
Michaela Strachan suggested the gull would be similar to Alan Carr's persona on Celebrity Traitors, elaborating: 'If that was a Celebrity Traitor, it would be Alan Carr, I think. It would be bold, sassy and noisy.'
Chris Packham responded with a cheeky quip: 'And quite annoying.' Michaela immediately replied: 'I don't think you should say that,' before adding 'Sorry, Alan.'
Alan Carr participated in and won the first celebrity edition of The Traitors UK earlier this year, having been selected as a Traitor by host Claudia Winkleman alongside Jonathan Ross and Cat Burns. He was the only celebrity Traitor to make it to the end of the competition.
Viewer reaction splits social media
The Traitors-themed segment and Packham's comment prompted immediate reaction on social media platform X, with some viewers expressing strong disapproval.
One viewer wrote: 'This is a stupid feature. I couldn't give a toss about the Traitors, stop going on about it.' Another added: '#Winterwatch I'm with Chris, don't care about the Traitors program and thought I'd get away from it watching Winterwatch.'
A particularly frustrated viewer declared: 'Sick of the Traitors references I'm off. #winterwatch,' while another commented: 'Winterwatch is on BBC2 if that helps. It features Chris Packham being curmudgeonly about The Traitors and sounding increasingly like Bob Fleming.'
Not all viewers were critical
Despite the negative reactions, some viewers appreciated the lighthearted approach. One supporter wrote: 'Great shout #winterwatch to do nature's traitors. Human #TheTraitors, you had better watch out! Good, lighthearted piece, yet feeling educated.'
Winterwatch's Northern Irish backdrop
The BBC had previously explained their choice of location for this series, stating: 'Winterwatch is ready to showcase it like never before. Its mild, microclimate, ancient woodlands, rich wetlands and proximity to the beautiful Strangford Lough create the perfect stage for a winter spectacular.'
They continued: 'Expect a dazzling cast of species and a host of seasonal behaviours as animals power through the toughest months of the year. Whether under crisp frosts or storm-laden skies, Mount Stewart teems with life.'
The current series of The Traitors has introduced several new twists, including the first ever Secret Traitor whose identity remained hidden even from viewers, creating additional drama throughout the competition.
Winterwatch continues on BBC Two and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, though the programme's producers may be reconsidering their approach to pop culture references after Tuesday's mixed reception.
