Springwatch fans left in hysterics at Steve Backshall's awkward 'beaver' blunder

Springwatch’s special guest Steve Backshall had fans in hysterics after making an awkward blunder about Gillian Burke’s beavers.

The BBC2 regular had been teaching viewers all about the riverside rodent – while stood next to a lifesize model of the creature.

And Steve thought he’d make reference to her segment while dishing up all the knowledge on nesting swallows.

Stood next to a rather lovely looking part of the River Thames, he said: ‘We have swallows nesting under this dock behind me right now and have done since I have lived here.

‘It’s a quite challenging place for them to make a nest they skim along the surface of the water to get under there, but once in it’s a spectacular nesting site free from just about every single predator you could imagine.’

The nature guru added: ‘Certainly things like magpies – the only thing that could get in under there are the giant river rats we get around here.’

Describing just how big the potentially deadly species is, he dropped the accidental innuendo: ‘They seriously have to be seen to be believed, I mean honestly they look like Gillian’s beavers – they are absolutely massive.’

Of course, this didn’t go unnoticed by viewers at home, who couldn’t help but giggle at the faux pas on Twitter.

‘I bet Gillian regrets broadcasting from the beaver project,’ one wrote while another said: ‘#Springwatch hilarious comment about “the river rats around here remind me of Gillian’s beaver!!” Made my evening! Thankyou!!’

Someone else commented: ‘Gillians’ massive beaver… Could only be #Springwatch.’ And others also poked fun, adding: ‘Never had one “s” been so vital.’

Springwatch made it’s grand return this week after fears the show would be cancelled over the coronavirus pandemic.

However, host Chris Packham explained the lengths they’ve gone to to make sure the show stays on air.

He said: ‘I’m pretty much on my lonesome coming to you live down here in the New Forest a couple of cameramen, two engineers over there.

‘We’re doing everything we can to bring you the very best show we can, with the best of British wildlife and some nature to give you some respite and solace during this tragedy.’

Springwatch continues tomorrow at 8pm on BBC2.

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