I couldn’t care less if viewers hate my outfits – I love a bargain, insists Springwatch’s Chris Packham

CHRIS Packham has insisted that he "couldn't care less" if viewers hate his outfits on Springwatch ahead of the show's 18th season.

The presenter, who has hosted the BBC nature series since 2009, will be entering his thirteenth season with Michaela Strachan later this month.

His stepdaughter Megan McCubbin and ornithologist Iolo Williams will also be fronting the programme alongside him.

During his time on the critically-acclaimed series, Chris and his outfit choices have become a hot topic of discussion - but for all the wrong reasons.

When asked what he makes of it all, he told The Sun and other press that he loves a bargain when it comes to buying new threads.

"So, a few years ago, I did quite a lot of online shopping at an internet auction site where I bought a lot of shirts for less than £20 to wear on the programme," he told us at a roundtable event.

"I quite like retro styles and upcycling clothes, so I tend to wear quite a lot of retro stuff and this is obviously when we’ve got warm enough weather to be able to wear it."

It should come as no surprise that Packham has an interest in fashion.

His sister, Jenny, one of Angelina Jolie's and Kate Middleton’s favourite designers, used to make him outrageous printed shirts while they were growing up. 

As is often the way, Packham’s style has become less extreme over the years, with sensible hiking shoes and insulating outerwear playing an important part in his wardrobe.

"One of the bits of abuse I get, in a comical way, particularly Michaela, too, is we sometimes get accused of overdressing," the 61-year-old added.

"Viewers always say, 'How many layers have you got on? Why have you got two puffer jackets on?'

"But standing in one spot in icy wind and rain I would say any fool can be badly dressed and get cold, you know.

"I wanna be able to do my job properly and I can’t do that if my teeth are chattering.

"So, I’ll take the tongue and cheek abuse about my choice of clothing."

Springwatch begins on Monday, 30 May at 8pm on BBC Two.