It made sticky-back plastic a must-have, inspired tens of thousands of children to make their own Tracy Islands out of papier mâché and washing-up liquid bottles and made ‘Get down, Shep’ into a national catchphrase.
But now, after 66 years, Blue Peter is to be taken off our television screens and moved online. Its director confirmed the show’s fate – and the news that it will no longer be transmitted live – describing the move as ‘the end of an era’.
The programme began in October 1958 and in its heyday was screened three times a week on BBC1, making stars of presenters such as Peter Purves, Janet Ellis, Valerie Singleton and Peter Duncan.
But while Blue Peter has always been a cosy and sensible watch for youngsters, its ending has been anything but, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Insiders have told how the decision to take it off air was kept a secret by bosses, with its presenters Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney and Abby Cook unaware of the extent of the changes. In fact, they had been wondering where their new contracts had got to in recent months.
A show source said: ‘Of course this has been in the works for months.
‘The big bosses all knew what was happening and those they did tell were all told to keep it quiet. It’s a huge shock and a number of the crew still have no idea what’s going on. Goodness knows what it means for the presenters and those working on the show but the view is that it has all been handled very badly.’
Another insider revealed how employees have been told to attend a meeting at the BBC’s northern HQ in Salford this week but have not been given any hints as to what it would be about.
After 66 years, Blue Peter is to be taken off our television screens and moved online. Its director confirmed the show’s fate – and the news that it will no longer be transmitted live – describing the move as ‘the end of an era’
The programme began in October 1958 and in its heyday was screened three times a week on BBC1, making stars of presenters such as Peter Purves, Janet Ellis, Valerie Singleton and Peter Duncan
The Blue Peter line-up in 1972: Peter Purves, Lesley Judd, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes with his dog Shep. The magazine show is staying on TV screens for now
Insiders have told how the decision to take it off air was kept a secret by bosses, with its presenters wondering where their new contracts had got to in recent months. Above, John Noakes climbs Nelson’s column in London during a Blue Peter programme 1977
The Mail on Sunday first revealed fears that the BBC was planning to axe Blue Peter from TV screens in October 2023 after three presenters quit in three years – although BBC bosses played down the issues, insisting there were ‘no plans’ to drop the show
They said: ‘Everyone working on the show has been told to come in. Very few knew what it was about until rumours started leaking online. It’s shocking. There’s been a lot of frantic calls and emails to bosses over the weekend trying to get news of what is happening.’
It is understood that the editor, Ellen Evans, who has held the role since 2019, has not been responding to queries from her staff. However, its long-serving director Martin Williams-Neale said on Friday: ‘Today is my last day on Blue Peter and I’m proud to be directing its final live show. It really is the end of an era.
‘A huge thank you to my talented and loyal crew, many also leaving the programme today, for your hard work and dedication.’
At its peak, Blue Peter was watched by eight million viewers, making household names of presenters such as John Noakes and creating memorable moments such as Lulu The Elephant relieving herself on the studio floor. It has also been the springboard for television presenters including Konnie Huq, Morning Live duo Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones, Anthea Turner and Sky Sports host Simon Thomas.
Some former presenters shared their sadness at the show’s diminished future. Richard Bacon, who began his stint on Blue Peter in 1997, but was sacked less than two years later for snorting cocaine, said: ‘I just love and loved that show. Even if I caused it some bother.
‘Being live is what made it alive. The elephant, the studio catching fire… the mistakes, the movement, the energy. It was a magical experience.’
Yvette Fielding, whose stint ran from 1987 to 1992, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘How sad this is. Blue Peter wasn’t just for children it was made for the whole family to enjoy. The late Princess Diana told me that she loved to curl up on the sofa with Harry and Wills and watch the show together. This is true of so many British families and it annoys and saddens me to discover the fate of this wonderful show. Shame on the people who have made this terrible decision.’
Matt Baker, the show’s anchor between 1999 and 2007, added: ‘We had the most incredible time.
Another insider revealed how employees have been told to attend a meeting at the BBC ’s northern HQ in Salford this week but have not been given any hints as to what it would be about
Former Blue Peter Presenter Janet Ellis With Her Daughter Sophie Ellis-Bextor In 1989
The ‘Blue Peter’ team in 1981: Simon Groom, Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan
Shep the ‘Blue Peter’ dog formed a deep bond with presenter John Noakes
It is understood that the editor, Ellen Evans, who has held the role since 2019, has not been responding to queries from her staff.. Above, the infamous 1971 Blue Peter campfire Incident
In 2012, Blue Peter moved to CBBC as all children’s programmes were put onto digital channels
‘The best memories and the end of the most magical energy and spirit to be shared across the country at teatime. I feel very fortunate to have experienced and shared the feeling.’
The Mail on Sunday first revealed fears that the BBC was planning to axe Blue Peter from TV screens in October 2023 after three presenters quit in three years – although BBC bosses played down the issues, insisting there were ‘no plans’ to drop the show.
At the time, insiders described it as a ‘very unhappy, sinking ship’. There were also worries that viewing figures had plummeted as CBBC struggled to match the appeal of the internet and computer games. In 2017, one episode attracted an official rating of zero viewers.
In 2012, Blue Peter moved to CBBC as all children’s programmes were put onto digital channels.
The BBC declined to comment when approached by the Mail yesterday – which is unusual for the organisation.
However, sources did confirm Blue Peter would no longer be shown in its Friday 5pm slot but would be on CBBC which is moving online as revealed by the Corporation’s Director General Tim Davie.
It will also be available on BBC2 on iPlayer and the Beeb’s Sign Zone platform.
