In a startling turn of events, Iolo Williams, the well-known face of the BBC’s Winterwatch, found himself in a life-threatening situation when he suffered a heart attack while out for a run. The incident occurred in April 2023, as Williams was jogging along a canal, an activity he regularly engaged in to maintain his fitness. Despite his active lifestyle, the heart attack struck without warning, leaving him to navigate an arduous mile-and-a-half trek to reach safety.

Iolo Williams, renowned for his role in presenting the BBC’s wildlife series such as Springwatch, Winterwatch, and previously Autumnwatch, opened up about the ordeal during an interview with BBC Radio Cymru. “I had a heart attack, and it was very unexpected,” he shared. “I keep fit; I’ve been playing rugby ever since I was 45, and I run two to three times a week.” This sudden health scare forced Iolo to miss out on the Springwatch series as he recuperated at home for three and a half weeks before deciding he was ready to return to work.

The Liverpool Echo reported that when the heart attack struck, Iolo was without his phone and his car was located a mile and a half away, leaving him no choice but to rely on his own strength to find help. Once he reached his vehicle, he was met with the unsettling news that the ambulance would take over 90 minutes to arrive. Faced with this delay, Iolo’s wife stepped in to transport him to the hospital herself.

Describing the experience, Iolo recounted, “I walked on, crouching every now and then when the pain intensified. Once I reached my car, I called for an ambulance, but they said it would be 90-odd minutes.” The seriousness of his condition led to major surgery, after which Iolo announced his need for a break from the BBC wildlife programmes. The following month, he shared a hospital selfie on social media platform X, informing fans of his temporary withdrawal due to post-surgery complications.

Iolo then posted a hospital selfie on X the next month, saying he would be taking a break from the BBC wildlife programme after being forced to pull out following major complications from surgery.

He typed: “Unfortunately, I can’t co-present @BBCSpringwatch this year. I had a stent inserted in April, which released a clot, that, this week, caused an embolysm! My demise has been greatly exaggerated; thanks to brilliant friends, wonderful family & the excellent @NHS. Go Megan & team SW!” 

Fellow co-host Michaela Stratchan said at the time: “I was so shocked when I heard about this. My mate @IoloWilliams2 is a fit, healthy man. I’m pleased to say I’ve spoken to him & he is remarkably jolly considering. Iolo you will be hugely missed by us all on @BBCSpringwatch next week. Rest up, get the nurses watching. Huge hug.” 

The Welsh presenter announced that he would be returning to BBC’s Winterwatch in 2024 after he took a break to recover.