Top News

Sir David Attenborough is set to mark his milestone birthday with a huge celebration at the Royal Albert Hall.

In honour of his groundbreaking career, there will be a live event taking place on his 100th birthday (Friday, May 8), which will take audiences on a journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world.

Throughout the night, people will hear dramatic wildlife stories, reflections from public figures and advocates for the natural world alongside live music from David's programmes.

There are also to be guests that he has collaborated with over the years from the world of conservation and wildlife filmmaking.

However, it seems as though if David had it his own way, he'd be celebrating his birthday in a very different way. Ahead of the celebrations, BBC Breakfast paid tribute to the national treasure by speaking to some well-known faces who have worked with him in the past.

The programme also spoke to producer Alastair Fothergill who has worked with David for the past 40 years, about how he is feeling ahead of his special night.

He commented: "He hates 'celebrity', he doesn't like that at all. He's realised he has to do it, he's realised how famous he is. But, if he could escape everything else about celebrity, he would be very pleased.

"David would like nothing to be happening around his 100th birthday, that would be his favourite choice. He'd like to be at home all day with a nice glass of wine in the evening. However, he recognises that the British public wants to say Happy Birthday to him, and I think he'll go home happy."

Meanwhile, composer and music producer Hans Zimmer, who has written famous scores for David Attenborough's documentaries in the past, wished 'another 100 years' for the broadcaster.

Actor Sir Michael Palin, who has been a longtime friend to the broadcaster, touched on his appeal to the public.

He commented: "He's curious, he's careful, he's thorough, he has a marvellous way of communicating with people, always has done. The fact that he's been broadcast for 60 or 70 years without ever lowering the standards of the work he does is truly remarkable."

David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth airs on May 8 on BBC One at 8:30pm and BBC Breakfast continues weekdays on BBC One from 6am