Bill Oddie revealed that Freddy Marks saved his life in a remarkable moment of sheer coincidence. The extraordinary incident took place in the Seychelles and the television presenter and wildlife enthusiast recounted the surprising details to a stunned audience.
“I was saved from drowning by a character from the children’s show Rainbow,” Bill told the panel on ‘s Would I Lie To you.
He recounted that he had ventured into the Indian Ocean when he began to struggle and wave for help, signalling he was in danger.
“[Freddy saved me] from drowning… in the sea. It was the ocean, the Indian Ocean,” he said. When asked if he was on holiday with Freddie or if it was a coincidence, Bill replied: “It is actually an unbelievable coincidence.”
The Would I Lie to You? panel questioned the unbelievable story, but Bill confirmed its truth, saying: “He was aware there was somebody in the sea, some way offshore, waving as if to say, ‘I am drowning.’”
Bill was saved “by coincidence” (Image: Getty)
Freddy, known as one-third of Rod, Jane, and Freddy, was on holiday on the same small island and sprang into action with his partner Jane.
After spotting Bill in distress, Freddy swam out. “I got pulled in backwards, yes, on my back, as it were. Onto the shore,” Bill explained. “We then exchanged pleasantries.” The incident is believed to have happened in 1985.
. The sad news was announced on a Rainbow Facebook fan group. The message read: “It is with a heavy heart that we are sad to say that ‘Freddy Marks’ from Rod, Jane and Freddy has sadly passed away yesterday.
“Freddy was a very talented and funny guy who always brought a smile to everybody’s face. “Our thoughts go out to his wife Jane Tucker, Rod Burton and all their friends and family at this difficult time.”
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Freddy Marks sadly passed away (Image: ITV)
Freddy tied the knot with his co-star Jane in 2016 at London’s luxurious Claridge’s hotel. Jane was previously married to their other Rainbow colleague, Rod.
Meanwhile former after he battled lithium poisoning.
A few years ago the star, who used to present ’s Springwatch, revealed to his 78,000 Twitter followers that he had been “knocking on heaven’s door” for nearly a year due to a condition, which he had contracted during lockdown.
“For nearly a year I have been nigh on comatose. Knocking on Heaven’s door with lithium poisoning. Saved by consultant at Royal Free Hospital.Then months mostly avoiding life and people. Depressed or asleep.
“Scaring my family and myself. No joy and no hope.” He has since revealed that his condition has improved.