Viewers were left concerned for a certain national treasure after they spotted a ‘change’ in his new show.
And of course, I’m talking about Sir David Attenborough because does anyone give off ‘national treasure’ more than the legend himself?
The historian’s latest series, Asia, aired on BBC One last night (3 November) with many tuning in for some relaxing Sunday evening TV listening to him talk about wildlife and natural wonders.
But some were instead left worrying about the 98-year-old as he narrated the documentary.
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Attenborough’s voice is one many of us know very well, often recognising it’s him from just one word.
So, people were quick to pick it up when they decided it wasn’t quite the same.
Some fans took to social media to note that the broadcasting star sounded like was speaking in a slightly higher pitch, leading to suspicions his voice had been altered in some way.
“Anyone else confused as to why the voice of the amazing David Attenborough sounds different? It’s like it’s been auto tuned?” one wrote.
And a second said: “David Attenborough now sounds like a bad David Attenborough impersonator - slightly off, like the new faux-Sallis Wallace. Perhaps he's AI now?”
A few thought it had ‘definitely been tweaked’ in some way as one admitted: “To begin with I thought it was someone else narrating.”
Someone else asked: “What have they done to his voice?”
But, of course, many viewers were just busy absolutely loving the new series as they praised the episode.
Asia is a seven-part series which explores ‘each corner of this remarkable part of our planet, audiences will journey through Asia’s most stunning landscapes, witness a wealth of wildlife, and uncover stories of extraordinary unseen animal behaviour’.
It was filmed over the course of nearly four years and is the first time that the continent has been the focus of a ‘landmark BBC wildlife series’.
And while some may be worrying that AI has played a part in the narration of the Attenborough doc, some made the realisation that it could mean we can always listen to him.
“When he’s gone there will be endless AI David Attenborough voice over wildlife documentaries,” one viewer wrote.
Another noted: “Watching Asia on the beeb and it’s just occurred to me that with the advances in AI, Sir David Attenborough can narrate every blue-chip nature documentary for the rest of time. And I’m sort of OK with that.”
BBC spokesperson said to LADbible: “No AI or auto tune has been used on Sir David’s voice, which was recorded in exactly the same way it has been for years”.
LADbible has contacted Attenborough’s reps for comment.
Topics: AI, BBC, David Attenborough, Celebrity, TV
Jess Battison