In the latest episode of Sam & Ade Go Birding, Adrian Edmondson reflected on his upbringing and the connection he had with his dad
Ade reflected on his past during the latest episode(Image: Channel 5)
Comedian Adrian Edmondson shared insight into his relationship with his father in the latest edition of Sam & Ade Go Birding.
During the latest episode of the much-loved series, Sam & Ade Go Birding, presenters Ade and actor Samuel West reflected on the past. While discussing his teenage years, Ade recalled a time his father attempted to tell him about the birds and the bees.
Talking candidly, Ade said: “My dad was, I think, always disappointed in me. Even from when I was objectively successful.” The Bottom star added: “He enjoyed the fact that I was on television, but doing that horrible swearing.”
Ade then mentioned that his dad would have preferred it if he were a doctor or a lawyer. Ade was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in 1957 and was the second of four children.
His childhood was spent moving frequently, as his father worked as a teacher for the British Armed Forces, meaning the family relocated regularly.
Sam & Ade Go Birding has quickly established itself as a much-loved addition to the television schedules since it first aired this year.
The show has won praise from both critics and viewers for its gentle tone, humour and the friendship between its two presenters
The programme has also attracted recognition beyond audience reviews. Following its successful first series, Sam & Ade Go Birding was longlisted for the National Television Awards in the Returning Docuseries category, highlighting the impact it made after its debut.
Inevitably, comparisons have been made with BBC’s Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, a programme that similarly combines the British countryside with friendship, humour and unhurried conversation.
There is also genuine expertise behind the birdwatching. Samuel West is an RSPB Ambassador and an experienced birder, with a UK life list of more than 400 species.
The programme is produced by Frank Films and had its first run launching as a three-part series in April 2026. What initially began as a short series quickly demonstrated that there was an appetite for more.
Following the success of the debut series, Sam & Ade Go Birding returned for season two on Thursday, 1 October, and the new series sees the pair visit beautiful pockets of Britain, including the Yorkshire Dales, the same area in which All Creatures Great and Small is filmed and set.
Sam and Ade Go Birding airs Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 5.
