David Attenborough: What is The Only Way Is Essex?

Among the period greenhouses, acres of rolling land and stunning ponds within the grounds of London's Kew Gardens, David Attenborough and his crack team of scientists and TV crew have spent the last eleven months filming their latest show, Kingdom of Plants.

Shown in both 2D and 3D on Sky Atlantic this weekend, MSN TV was lucky enough to be invited to Kew Gardens to meet 86-year-old natural history program presenter, David Attenborough.

At the grand age of 86, yet not looking a day over 60, is this to be David's last in-depth TV show?

"My crew and I are off to the Galapagos next," David revealed.

"The crew's been out there for some time and it's going to be very nice."

Filming in three-dimensions poses David and his team with new, and sometimes rather humorous, challenges, especially when trying to get a close-up shot.

"The cameras we are using aren't exactly small, so you can imagine four people carrying one means you can't actually creep up on some shy little thing that's going to do something incredible!

"Especially if there are 14 men and a huge big camera!"

The Cambridge-educated TV icon didn't stop there: "I can tell you on personal authority that large cameras and a huge crew don't put giant tortoises off at all.

"If you have a tent, and you're sleeping in that tent, and it's khaki-coloured - you want to watch out!"

Oo-er! Thanks for the tip, David!

Having filmed Kingdom of Plants with this new technology, allowing a closer and more precise view of the amazing world of plants, does the Life On Earth presenter think this is the way forward with all TV programs?

"I don't think so. Not until there is going to be a change where we don't need glasses," he said.

"The television is a social thing during which you talk to one and other, but Kingdom Of Plants is an event whereby you turn the lights off, put the glasses on and watch it.

"And that's why 3D programs for television have to be very special. It could be the cup final (that's a special program) but documentaries have to be really, very good to justify doing them.

"I don't actually want to see a quiz game in 3D - it wouldn't make a difference to me at all," he added.

So fans of The Only Way Is Essex need not get too excited about seeing their favourite Z-list celebs in 3D? MSN TV asked.

"The athletics?" David questioned, mishearing The Only Way Is Essex.

Once we explained what TOWIE was, and who took part, David said: "Oh... Right. I should think you're correct in your assumption."

Eeek! Sorry Lauren Goodger!

With Frozen Planet gaining somewhat of a cult following, did David think that Kingdom of Plants would be received in a similar manner?

"I didn't know we had a cult following!" David laughed.

"It's a soft number my job. If you have the natural world as your subject you're three quarters of the way there.

All you have to do is remember not to stand too much between the camera and the natural world!

"If I was making programs about particle physics and was getting audiences of 12 million - wow - I'd be very pleased about it! But if it's giant tortoises or orchids, you ought to get an audience of 12 million.

"You should be shot if you don't," he added in jest.

Despite David's modesty, the London-born TV presenter counts Canadian film director, producer and deep sea explorer James Cameron as one of his many fans.

"I didn't know he was a big fan of mine and I'm very flattered.

"I should be a big fan of his, because he's an innovator and I'm very flattered that he should think about us," he added.

We can't help but admire David Attenborough, not only for his work with several environmental causes, or even the brilliant quality of his latest series of programs, but for his honest and open personality.

When asked what the highlight from filming Kingdom of Plants was, among other reasons, David joked:

"I loved living so close - I would have a lovely breakfast (at home), pole up to Kew and find the crew already there! They'd been there since 6am."

Kingdom of Plants 3D With David Attenborough continues 6pm, Saturday 2nd June on Sky 3D and in 2D on Sky Atlantic HD