Sir David Attenborough, 97, ‘replaced’ on BBC’s Planet Earth III-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Sir David Attenborough’s lines have been re-recorded for the new series (Picture: Danny Martindale/WireImage)

Sir David Attenborough has been replaced on a new episode of Planet Earth III.

The 97-year-old broadcaster, who has been on TV since the 1950s, is stepping aside on a special episode of the hit BBC nature series for a very wholesome reason.

A special edition of the new series will instead be narrated by 50 schoolchildren reading from Sir David’s original scripts as they step into the shoes of one of the most influential broadcasters in British TV history.

Planet Earth III: Narrated By Kids will include visual highlights from the original series, with the children themselves taking the lead.

Introducing the episode, the children, who range from ages nine to 13, say: ‘Welcome to a very special episode of Planet Earth III, narrated by schoolchildren from all over the UK.

‘Because you don’t have to be Sir David Attenborough to become a voice for nature.

‘We can all speak up on behalf of our wonderful planet earth. It’s one of the most powerful ways to help protect it.’

The hit BBC documentary series has collaborated with BBC Children In Need, which selected schools that had helped its fundraising efforts to feature in the episode.

The episode it already available to stream on iPlayer, and it will be aired on BBC One on May 6.

Sir David’s dialogue will be delivered by schoolchildren (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Children In Need has also created classroom resource packs that complement the episode and are available to download from its website.

On Monday, which is also Earth Day, it will be live streaming an assembly at 9.30am filled with educational clips as part of the Become A Voice For Nature campaign.

Wildlife biologist, explorer and presenter Lizzie Daly said: ‘I’m thrilled to be presenting the Become A Voice For Nature live schools assembly on Earth Day.

‘I want to encourage schools across the UK to download a Become A Voice For Nature resource pack from the BBC Children in Need website and join us to hear more from the producers of Planet Earth III and learn more about the planet, how it impacts our lives and what we can do to protect it.

The Children In Need special looks to inspire the new naturalist broadcaster (Picture: Sky)

‘I can’t wait, see you all there.’

Claire Hoyle, director of income, marketing and communications at BBC Children In Need, said: ‘The Become A Voice For Nature campaign is about encouraging pupils from schools nationwide to come together on Earth Day to learn more about protecting our planet and how we impact it.

‘We really wanted to be able to show our appreciation to schools who fundraise for BBC Children In Need each year, so we’re delighted to be delivering this live assembly and we are so thrilled to see pupils voicing this special episode.

‘A huge thank you to all of the pupils and schools for their continued support and fundraising efforts for BBC Children In Need.’

Sir David had a warning for kids after Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster (Picture: BBC/PA)

Late last year, Sir David issued a warning to children who take a keen interest in palaeontology to make sure that they’re being as safe as possible during their exploits.

‘I think there are still going to be little 10 year olds and 12 year olds going around on bicycles hitting rocks with hammers,’ he said. ‘Put on glasses – it’s very dangerous!

‘I mustn’t encourage children, they must wear eye protection! But kids that are being born today will still find that romantic, and not only kids…’

The episode will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from April 22 and will air on BBC One on May 6.

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