Gillian Anderson joined Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife as they led the stars at David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth event on Friday. The actress, 57, looked chic in a black dress as celebrities gathered to ring in the legendary broadcaster's 100th birthday with a special event at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She teamed the A-line number with a pair of chunky heels and pulled her hair back into a high ponytail.
Joining Gillian on the blue carpet, Benedict looked as smart as ever in a dark grey suit which he paired with a white shirt. His wife Sophie looked stunning in a white textured dress and a pair of quirky, see-through heels. The 90-minute live event will mark veteran broadcaster David's 100th birthday with a focus on his life and career as a documentary maker.
They were joined at the event by the likes of Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, and Chris Packham. Earlier in the day, Sir David said he had been 'completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings' as he thanked well wishers 'most sincerely' on his centenary.
In an audio message on Thursday, Mr Attenborough said: 'I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. I have been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from pre-school groups to care home residents, and countless individuals and families of all ages. I simply can't reply to each of you separately, but I'd like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events: Have a very happy day.'
According to the BBC, Friday evening's celebrations will be the 'climax of a week of special events and broadcast programming in honour of Sir David'. The veteran broadcaster's 'groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling' will be 'honoured' during the show, which begins at 7.30pm. It will feature a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world seen through the prism of Sir David's life as well as wildlife stories and live music from his programmes.
Celebrity guests will make appearances during the show with the BBC Concert Orchestra performing original compositions, conducted by Jérôme Kuhn. The Royal Albert Hall website states: 'In celebration of David Attenborough's 100th birthday on 8 May, BBC will bring the nation together for a live event honouring his groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling. Held on his birthday at London's Royal Albert Hall, the event will take audiences on a journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of David's extraordinary life. It will feature dramatic wildlife stories, accompanied by live music from his programmes, alongside spoken reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world. Accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, it will feature original compositions from some of David's best-known landmark series. Alongside the music, guests will include some of those he has collaborated with from the world of conservation and wildlife filmmaking.'
