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<STRONG class=story-from>This story is from our news.com.au network[/b] <CITE class=source>Source: AAP</CITE> <H1>Irwin was one of the greats, says Bellamy</H1><CITE class=byline>From correspondents in London</CITE> <CITE class=author></CITE><DIV class=pub-date>September 04, 2006</DIV><DIV></DIV><H4>FAMED nature writer and broadcaster David Bellamy said today the field had lost one of its greats with the death of Steve Irwin.</H4><P class=encompass>
Bellamy, who has written dozens of books and presented many documentaries on nature, said Mr Irwin was “one of the greatest performers, and also an extremely good natural historian”.
“It's a very, very sad day for natural history and natural history television,” Bellamy said on the BBC.
“I could break down crying at this moment but I will try not to.
“He did take enormous risks but he knew what he was doing.
“It was one of the terrible, terrible, terrible accidents and I wish to God it didn't happen.”
Bellamy said Mr Irwin's showmanship made him famous, but should not diminish the quality of his work.
“He not only captivated Australia and all the visitors there, but he captivated America because he was audacious,” Bellamy said.
“He knew his stuff but he didn't write scripts and got on with the job.
“The world has lost one of the great natural historians and I am very, very sad about it.”
Mr Irwin was also popular in Britain, with news of his death topping bulletins on daytime television news.
Bellamy, who has written dozens of books and presented many documentaries on nature, said Mr Irwin was “one of the greatest performers, and also an extremely good natural historian”.
“It's a very, very sad day for natural history and natural history television,” Bellamy said on the BBC.
“I could break down crying at this moment but I will try not to.
“He did take enormous risks but he knew what he was doing.
“It was one of the terrible, terrible, terrible accidents and I wish to God it didn't happen.”
Bellamy said Mr Irwin's showmanship made him famous, but should not diminish the quality of his work.
“He not only captivated Australia and all the visitors there, but he captivated America because he was audacious,” Bellamy said.
“He knew his stuff but he didn't write scripts and got on with the job.
“The world has lost one of the great natural historians and I am very, very sad about it.”
Mr Irwin was also popular in Britain, with news of his death topping bulletins on daytime television news.
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