A conversation about family relationships and growing older brought actor Samuel West to tears during an emotional episode of Channel 5’s Sam and Ade Go Birding. While visiting Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire to search for a puffin, West and his co-star Ade Edmondson opened up about their complex relationships with their fathers, turning a routine wildlife excursion into a deeply personal reflection on parenthood and loss.
Reflecting on Childhood and Paternal Expectations
During the poignant exchange, Edmondson shared a candid childhood memory from his seventh birthday, alongside other reflections on growing up. Zooming in on vintage photographs of himself, Edmondson discussed his late father’s attempts to connect with him and shared his impression that his father was frequently disappointed by his career path. Edmondson explained that even after achieving public success, his father likely would have preferred a traditional profession like law or medicine rather than his involvement in unconventional comedy.
The intimate nature of the discussion struck a profound chord with West, who became visibly tearful as the conversation turned toward the realities of ageing, family dynamics, and the lasting impact of parental bonds.
A Season Forged Through Personal Loss
The emotional depth of the series mirrors a challenging period in Samuel West’s personal life. The All Creatures Great and Small actor has navigated a turbulent eighteen months marked by the passing of both of his legendary parents. His father, renowned actor Timothy West, died in November 2024 at the age of 90 following a fall that led to a subdural haematoma and extra-axial haemorrhage. Tragically, West’s mother, beloved Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales, passed away a year later in October 2025 at the age of 93, following a prolonged battle with vascular dementia.
Remarkably, West continued filming his documentary series and directing memorial services for both parents amidst the grief. In previous episodes, he shared the heartbreaking final memory of his mother asking her age and reacting with characteristic wit when told she was 91.
Continuing the Journey on Channel 5
Despite the profound personal sorrow, West found solace in returning to the outdoors alongside Edmondson. What began as an effort to introduce his co-star to the joys of birdwatching has evolved into a journey across dramatic British landscapes, ranging from the sweeping coastal cliffs of Yorkshire to the rugged terrain of West Wales.
As Sam and Ade Go Birding continues to air on Channel 5, viewers are treated not only to breathtaking sightings of curlews, puffins, ospreys, and swallows, but also to rare, unguarded moments of genuine vulnerability between two veteran entertainers grappling with the universal passage of time.
