David Attenborough issues huge announcement after sad 'end of life' confession

Sir David Attenborough has announced two new BBC projects just months after admitting he was "nearing the end of his life." The veteran broadcaster and biologist, who turns 100 next May, has revealed he will front a London-based wildlife series and narrate a six-part African saga - despite fears from fans that he might be stepping back from screens. David's first project, Wild London, will see him explore the natural world on his own doorstep.

The programme will capture pigeons commuting by Tube, snakes slithering along Regent's Canal, foxes in Tottenham and peregrines nesting on the Houses of Parliament. Executive producer Tom Hugh-Jones said: "Wild London captures that Attenborough magic at its very best - presenting in vision throughout the film, having up-close encounters with animals and talking intimately about his own wildlife experiences." At the same time, he is confirmed as narrator of Kingdom, a sweeping six-part series filmed over five years in Zambia.

The show follows four African animal families battling to survive, including lions, hyenas, wild dogs and leopards.

Producer Felicity Lanchester explained: "With David's commentary the Kingdom series really sprung to life - a wry inflection here, warmth in his voice there and masterful dramatic timing around the action.

"He tells the story in the clearest, most compelling, and emotional way. We are so grateful for his involvement."

Far from slowing down, the BBC has also lined up Green Planet II, a continuation of the hit 2022 series, and Tiger Island, a two-part documentary focused on an island near Nepal where endangered tigers appear to be thriving.

BBC factual boss Jack Bootle said: "No other broadcaster invests so consistently in wildlife filmmaking or covers such an ambitious range of subjects and styles.

"From David Attenborough exploring the wildlife of his own city, to a team of intrepid filmmakers risking it all to document the secret lives of tigers in Nepal.

"I'm proud we continue to lead the way at a time of such uncertainty for our planet." David is even set to reach new audiences through TikTok.

BBC director general Tim Davie revealed that short clips from his programmes will be repackaged for the social media platform.

He said: "Who is incredibly popular with young people? Our 99-year-old natural history presenter, who is a legend who they trust. The key thing is to be trusted, and to be absolutely speaking with authenticity."

His busy slate comes after fans were left fearing he was about to step back for good. In Ocean: With David Attenborough, released for his 99th birthday, he reflected: "Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true.

"After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea."