Viewers have been left in tears minutes into a BBC special marking Sir David Attenborough’s birthday.
The national treasure has been honoured with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall, looking back on his life and career.
With guests including the likes of Chris Packham and Bastille on the stage, the one-off special, hosted by Kirsty Young, was being televised to those watching at home.
Sir David was in the audience, sitting beside Prince William, with viewers rushing to send their happy birthday wishes on social media.
“Oh god didn’t even make it through the opening segment before blubbing. Am going to need a box of tissues for this,” one person said.
(Image: BBC)
Another wrote: “Why am I getting emotional already.”
“Here to watch the tribute to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday. He is honestly the most remarkable man,” another fan said.
Someone else said: “Watching @ BBC coverage of #SirDavidAttenborough’s 100th birthday & I’m honestly moved to tears. What an extraordinary life. He brought the magic of the natural world, our vast oceans, & the entire planet right into our living rooms. A true gift, God bless you.”
Several others shared their support for Sir David after he stood up from his seat while the live audience at the Royal Albert Hall applauded him.
(Image: BBC NHU/Gavin Thurston)
“He looks so well for 100 years old,” one person commented, as another said: “How quick was Dave out of that seat!!!!”
“What a man. 100!” another viewer said, as someone else wrote: “Crying at this already seeing David in the audience happy 100th sir David Attenborough he looks amazing.”
“Wow! At 100 year old, David Attenborough looks incredible!” another echoed.
Someone else said: “I honestly didn’t think he’d be at this special concert. He’s looking incredible though. Definitely doesn’t look 100!”
The BBC had earlier teased: “On the day of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, this unmissable event honours one of the most influential figures in broadcasting and natural history storytelling.
(Image: BBC)
“Broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall in London, this 90-minute special celebrates Sir David’s groundbreaking career, taking audiences on an extraordinary journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of Sir David’s remarkable life and work.
“The programme combines some of the most memorable wildlife moments from the BBC’s natural history archive with live music drawn from Sir David’s most iconic television series, alongside reflections from public figures and leading voices in conservation and wildlife film-making.
“Accompanied throughout by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the programme features iconic music associated with some of television’s most unforgettable sequences from landmark series including Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Frozen Planet. And we hear from those who have worked with and been inspired by Sir David over the years.”
David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
