David Attenborough names Brian Cox as successor

Broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough has hailed physicist Brian Cox as his natural successor.

Sir David, who has spent six decades bringing the natural world to television audiences, paid tribute to Cox at the annual Radio Times covers party at Claridge’s in London.

He said: “If I had a torch I would hand it to Brian.”

Sir David’s career has included a stint as controller of BBC2, as well as award-winning programmes including Life on Earth, The Living Planet and The Private Life of Plants.

Earlier in the night, Cox had praised Sir David’s “inspirational” example.