Chris Packham has backed his step-daughter Megan McCubbin to become a permanent presenter on Winterwatch.
Megan has been on the popular BBC show as she anchors the show from Northern Ireland.
And Chris says she has what it takes to be a regular fixture on the programme.
He said: "She’s good. She can do it….I think she’s diligent and works hard, she researches hard, works with the team really well. I’m really pleased with the way it’s going for her."
Megan, who is a zoologist and conservationist, is stationed at WWT Castle Espie in Northern Ireland, where she’s looking at European Eels, a critically endangered species.
She’s also investigating the Barn owl, whose numbers in Northern Ireland are struggling.
Megan said: “Winter is the most magical time of the year with the frost taking hold and the wildlife making the most of any opportunity.
“I can’t wait to see how the landscape and species at WWF Castle Espie have adapted to make the most of this beautiful season. It promises to be a series full of surprises!”
Chris was in a relationship with Megan’s mum Jo for 10 years and has known her since she was two years old. Chris and Jo are no longer together.
Megan, who has a degree in zoology from the University of Liverpool, started her presenting career in 2017 when she hosted Undercover Tourist: Inside the Illegal Bear Bile Market for BBC3.
She then joined her stepdad and the BBC presenting team for Springwatch in 2020
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Speaking about her presenting Springwatch at the time, Megan said: “I was slightly nervous, but I met Chris when I was two years old so have always grown up around film crews.
“I was with my stepdad, and who better to learn from than him? He’s a role model of mine professionally and it’s great that he happens to be my stepdad as well.”
Packham and co-presenter Michaela Strachan are at Wild Ken Hill near King’s Lynn in Norfolk for the new run
They’ll be keeping an eye out for the shy and retiring local residents, which include stoats, pine Programme regular Iolo Williams is staying at home on the Isle of Mull, where he learns more about its population of golden and white-tailed eagles, as well as otters, hares and short-eared owls.
*Winterwatch airs until Friday on BBC2
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