Renowned British natural historian Sir David Attenborough has captivated audiences worldwide for over seven decades. His iconic voice and compelling storytelling have been loved by fans since his early days. Throughout his career, Attenborough has presented groundbreaking documentaries such as Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and Life on Earth.
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Attenborough - who was knighted a second time in 2022 - has helped in shaping public understanding and appreciation of the natural world. He began his career in the early 1950s and now at the age of 98, still continues to wow audiences with his new series Asia.
Sir David Attenborough’s new series Asia
Asia, Attenborough’s latest series, is a seven-part journey into one of the world’s most ecologically rich continents. Each episode takes viewers across a variety of landscapes, from the vast deserts of the Gobi to the lush jungles of Borneo, reports BBC.
The filming took place over four years and follows Attenborough in Nepal with the rhinos, the foothills of the Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, Sri Lanka with the elephants and more such exciting locations in Asia.
Made by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, co-produced with BBC America, France Télévisions and ZDF, the show was released on Sunday, November 3.
As viewers tuned into the series, they noticed one change in the presenter.
Concerns over David Attenborough’s voice grows, BBC issues statement
In the first episode, the 98-year-old took viewers on a journey to explore the oceans of the expansive continent.
While his voice when talking to the cameras appeared normal, his voiceover narration for the programme caught people’s attention. Some viewers were quick to point out the change and remarked he doesn’t sound like his usual self. One took to X and wrote:
Anyone else confused as to why the voice of the amazing David Attenborough sounds different? It’s like it’s been auto tuned?
Another one added:
David Attenborough now sounds like a bad David Attenborough impersonator – slightly off, like the new faux-Sallis Wallace. Perhaps he’s AI now?
While two more chimed in:
What have they done to his voice?!
Hi @BBCEarth Not sure having David Attenborough sound like a chipmunk is a fine example of post-production. What a shame.
With so much speculation about his voice, BBC was forced to issue a statement confirming nothing was wrong with him. A BBC spokesperson said:
No AI or auto tune has been used on Sir David’s voice, which was recorded in exactly the same way it has been for years.
Despite being 98, Attenborough’s shows no signs of slowing down.
Read more:
Sir David Attenborough reveals the one thing he regrets in life
Sir David Attenborough: This is how much money he reportedly earns per minute
Sir David Attenborough’s health is making filming more difficult, here's everything we know
Sources used:
Metro.co.uk: BBC responds to Sir David Attenborough fans concerned by ‘his different voice’
BBC Wildlife Magazine: Who is Sir David Attenborough?
BBC: Sir David Attenborough’s Asia - Everything you need to know about the ground-breaking series
