Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Michael Palin reveals hilarious David Attenborough blunder

‘I’ll tell you a little story that sums him up,’ Monty Python star said

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 18 January 2021 05:34 EST
Comments
Michael Palin shares hilarious story about friend David Attenborough.mp4

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Michael Palin has shared a hilarious blunder made by his friend David Attenborough.

The Monty Python star was a guest on Gaby Roslin’s podcast where he discussed his friendship with the broadcaster.

Palin then told a story about Attenborough, whom he said is “so easy to get on with”.

“I’ll tell you a little story that sums up David,” he said. “He’s very loyal – if someone asks him to go somewhere, he will try and make it.”

Palin continued: “I went to an event at Canada House and he was going to be given a medal. People were getting together and having their drinks and, suddenly, David appears. He doesn’t have an entourage. He just came in, said hello to everybody. 

"I said to him, ‘David, you are brilliant, you turn up to all of these things’ and he said, ‘Well, I turned up last night [but] it was the wrong night.”

Roslin can be heard erupting into laughter, stating: “That is wonderful.”

Listen to the full episode here.

Attenborough’s most recent nature documentary is the BBC series A Perfect Planet, which is available to watch on iPlayer now.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in