BBC News | drugs | Blue Peter presenter used cocaine Monday, May 24, 1999 Published at 13:40 GMT 14:40 UK Blue Peter presenter used cocaine Richard Bacon, far right, with presenters past and present October '98: Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon was sacked from the popular children's television show after he admitted taking cocaine. An early version of Blue Peter's distinctive theme music The head of BBC children's programmes, Lorraine Heggessey, said: "It is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down the millions of children who watch Blue Peter." The sacking happened hours before the programme, which had just celebrated its 40th birthday, was the special award winner at the third British Academy Children's Awards in recognition of its "outstanding contribution to children's television". BBC management is determined to protect Blue Peter's name Richard Bacon, 22, of Chiswick, west London, told the News of the World: "I have been stupid and regret making a silly mistake experimenting with drugs.

"But I have learned the lesson the hard way and I hope it serves as a lesson to lots of other young people. I would also like to apologise to all loyal Blue Peter viewers." Ms Heggessey added: "For 40 years, Blue Peter has been a force for good, providing positive role models for children to follow and helping them to become responsible and caring adults. It is vital that nothing tarnishes that reputation. "Richard accepts that he left us no option but to terminate his contract immediately. "He regrets his actions and has apologised to the Blue Peter team and to all Blue Peter viewers." Mr Bacon apologised to viewers in a statement released through the BBC. He said: "I fully accept and agree with the decision that has been taken. "I regret what I did but it was in my personal time and I therefore hope that it does not reflect on the show. "I am very grateful to Blue Peter for the opportunity it has given me and am very sorry that I have let everybody down." Previous controversies In 1980 viewers learned that presenter Peter Duncan had once featured in a porn film.

There was also controversy in 1985 when video of presenter Michael Sundin emerged showing him in his underpants with a male stripper at a London nightclub. Daniel Scott was "adopted" by presenters John Noakes and Valerie Singleton in 1968 and became the Blue Peter baby when he was aged 14 weeks. He made regular appearances on the show until he was two. It was later revealed that he had dropped out of school and took drugs. In 1987 controversy surrounded the revelation that presenter Janet Ellis was an unmarried mother. The Blue Peter scandal follows me everywhere: As his new TV show begins, Richard Bacon says he'll always be known as the man who was sacked | Daily Mail Online The Blue Peter scandal follows me everywhere: As his new TV show begins, Richard Bacon says he'll always be known as the man who was sacked comments Unfortunately, and perhaps a little unfairly for Richard Bacon, this intelligent and likeable 36-year-old will always be remembered for one thing. He is the only Blue Peter presenter to be sacked in the programme’s 54-year history, after he was exposed for taking cocaine in a nightclub.

It was, as he points out, 14 years ago, before his four-year marriage to Rebecca and fatherhood which, he says, has given him ‘balance’ and ‘an equilibrium’. His indiscretion was exposed by a ‘best friend’. They no longer speak. ‘He was bright and charming but also a cad and a liar,’ says Richard. ‘I’ve always been attracted to people who have a dark side, but that was when it bit me on the backside because he betrayed me. Richard Bacon is the only Blue Peter presenter to be sacked in the programme's 54-year history, after he was exposed for taking cocaine in a nightclub ‘I was 22 then, now I’m 36. You go through enormous changes. At 21, 22 you’re working out who you are. I went through a time where I wasn’t that happy. I had this instinct to subvert everything. Now I’m in my 30s I’ve shed quite a lot of that. But it [the Blue Peter sacking] follows me around.

It doesn’t matter what I go on to do, that will always be the thing I’m known for predominantly: Richard Bacon, the only person to be sacked from Blue Peter.’ RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Richard had been ‘messing around’ on Kelvin MacKenzie’s L!VE TV when he applied to Blue Peter in 1997. ‘I wrote something like, “They say when you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life. When you’re tired of L!VE TV you’ve been there a year.” I also sent in a rather bold tape of stunts I’d done. They weren’t very Blue Peter, and it should have set alarm bells ringing, but it didn’t. They hired me. But I think after me they largely hired kids of clergy. ‘When you’re the subject of a scandal it’s all quite surreal as it kicks off around you,’ he says. ‘There were some very distressing elements in terms of how it impacted on my parents. It was very upsetting for them, particularly my dad who’s a very proud lawyer involved with criminal defence. This was a legal matter so it caused him particular distress. That was definitely the worst element of it – worse than losing my job.

There was so much publicity.’ 'At 21, 22 you're working out who you are. I went through a time where I wasn't that happy. I had this instinct to subvert everything,' says Richard Richard, who was educated at the private Worksop College, was one of those lucky, cool kids who didn’t have to try hard at anything. Instead, he put his energy into being ‘badly behaved and having fun’. Which didn’t go down well at home given his father’s profession. ‘The people I hung around with had the same outlook. Some of the kids at school were expelled for joy riding. I was off ill, but to be honest if I’d been there I’d have probably gone too because that’s the sort of child I was. When my dad knew I was hanging around with people he was defending in court, he got very angry with me. That did have an impact. I wasn’t completely out of control. I wasn’t burgling houses.’ We’re actually meeting to talk about his new Channel 4 show Hidden Talents, which does what it says on the tin: identifies individuals who have talents they weren’t aware of.

Contestants undergo a series of psychometric tests to establish where their talents might lie, before the most promising candidates are trained in their potential area of expertise. When you’re the subject of a scandal it’s all quite surreal as it kicks off around you. There were some very distressing elements in terms of how it impacted on my parents. ‘We found this guy James, who’s 19 and was living in a homeless shelter,’ says Richard. ‘It turned out he had a gift for languages and we sent him off to learn Arabic. He could speak it fluently in 19 weeks. ‘We discovered another lady in her 60s who’d retired from her bridal shop and had a natural instinct to spot when somebody is lying. We sent her to train with a CIA agent and gave her a test where she had to say who in a room full of people was lying. She nailed it. Another amazing facility is art appreciation. 'A tiny number of people have an ability to look at a piece of art and tell if it’s a fake. We found a guy called Lee, who worked in a factory in Essex building tractors. He’d never been in an art gallery and knew nothing about art.

We put a real Monet alongside two incredibly good forgeries that some of the best art experts in the world couldn’t identify. He looked at them and said, “That’s a fake, that’s a fake.”’ Richard is animated when he talks about the show, which will invite viewers to log onto a Hidden Talents website to try the tests themselves. ‘This series has made me realise there’s a lot of people out there looking for something else,’ he says. Which is what Richard was doing, really, until he met his wife. After ‘jumping around radio stations for a bit’ when he left Blue Peter, he wound up at Capital Radio at the age of 30, where Rebecca worked in marketing. He was dating former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq at the time. Family man: Richard with his son Arthur ‘Thirty was a funny age,’ he says. ‘I changed jobs, sold my house, ditched my agent and a relationship came to an end. People say 30 is a turning point. A lot of things happened that year and one of them was me thinking, “It’s about time I settled down and became a parent.” That’s when I met Rebecca. I’m so glad I did.

She’s had an enormous impact on my life.’ Richard says he knew he wanted to marry her even before they started dating. ‘We were both in other relationships but I think we knew where it was going to end up before it even started,’ he says. ‘When I was presenting the radio show I’d often play two records back-to-back which gives you six minutes instead of three so I could run out and talk to her for a bit, then run back in and carry on. It was very intense very quickly. She moved in straight away and we got engaged quite soon after. I proposed when she was blow-drying her hair in her underwear in our bedroom.’ They married at Babington House in Somerset with a mix of celebrities and old friends. ‘Our anniversary was in January. Rebecca’s brought this natural equilibrium to my life and made me a much better person – much happier. It’s amazing how much you can change in four years.’ The only shadow cast over this happy existence is the internet abuse he and Rebecca have had to endure recently. For the past two years, an anonymous idiot has been taunting them over the Twitter network, posting messages about Richard dying in a plane crash, or threatening to kill him in front of his son.

Indeed, Richard was so traumatised he made a hard-hitting documentary about the phenomenon, The Anti-Social Network, which was shown on BBC3 last month. ‘I’m a broadcaster,’ he says. ‘You expect criticism. If no one slags you off you’re actually a bit bland. That’s fine, but this is illegal.’ Richard now has a desire to ‘be a bit more mainstream’ as he puts it, and, of course, there’s baby Arthur. ‘He’s got great rolls of fat on his legs,’ says Richard, scrolling through the photos on his iPhone. ‘That’s when he’s brand new. If you look at him recently he often has this quizzical look on his face. See how his eyebrows are up? You can’t really tell what they’re going to look like when they’re babies, can you?’ No Richard, you can’t. And nor can you imagine what life will throw at them – but if Arthur is anything like his father, I’m sure he’ll cope. Hidden Talent starts on Tuesday, 24 April, on Channel 4.

Meet the 10 aspiring Blue Peter presenters - Telegraph TV and Radio Meet the 10 aspiring Blue Peter presenters The 10 aspiring presenters who will compete on Blue Peter - You Decide! to determine the show's next host were announced today by the BBC. The 10 contestants hoping to become the next Blue Peter presenter Photo: BBC/Andrew Hayes-Watkins By Rupert Hawksley 3:20PM BST 10 Jun 2013 The 10 hopefuls who will compete to become the 36th presenter of Blue Peter, the world's longest running children's TV programme, were unveiled today. More than 20,000 people auditioned for a place on Blue Peter - You Decide!, and the winner will be decided by the CBBC viewers who will vote for their favourite. Celebrity judges Myleene Klass, Eamonn Holmes and Ceallach Spellman will be casting an eye over the ten contestants, as they are put through a series of challenge-based heats. Whether or not the contestants will be expected to present a link whilst bouncing on a trampoline or control a particularly uncooperative pet whilst simultaneously conducting an interview remains to be seen, however.

As the show progresses, contestants will be eliminated by the judges until only three remain, but it is the viewers who have the final say on the winner. The first Blue Peter programme was broadcast on October 16, 1958, and was presented by Christopher Trace and Leila Williams. Other notable incumbents of the job include Peter Duncan, Richard Bacon, Matt Baker and Konnie Huq, who was the longest-serving female presenter in the show's history. The role has often been seen as a launch pad into other media work. Related Articles Britain's Got Talent, live final 08 Jun 2013 The winner of Blue Peter - You Decide! will be hoping they can avoid what has become known as the "curse of Blue Peter", however. A number of previous presenters have run into difficulty after details of their private lives emerged in the press, most notably when Richard Bacon was sacked in 1998 after it was revealed that he had taken cocaine.

The Final Ten Ben Hunte (BBC/Andrew Hayes-Watkins) Ben Hunte A degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience may not scream 'entertainer' but Ben's experiences travelling the world, climbing mountains and eating insects should more than qualify him for the role - he's certainly unlikely to be fazed by the more unusual tasks. Ben says: “I’m unlike anyone who has been on Blue Peter before and I’m up for anything. I’m always laughing and constantly looking for opportunities to try something new." Don't rule out an appearance on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here further down the line. Freddie Ingleby A love of animals, Matt Baker and the great outdoors should help his cause but, although Freddie presented two radio shows at university, he has never been in front of the camera before. In true Blue Peter tradition, expect some gaffes. Freddie says: “I’m energetic, enthusiastic and committed. I don’t shy away from anything, and I smile a lot – I’ll genuinely do anything that’s asked of me without hesitation and with a smile on my face." Ross Exton Newport-born Ross has his own YouTube channel where he creates educational videos teaching the online world all about his love of science.

A black belt in Taekwondo proves he's got an adventurous side but what he's like with glue and scissors remains to be seen. Ross says: “I’m enthusiastic and think I have the ability to inspire viewers to explore the world and do whatever they want to do in life. That’s what Blue Peter is all about – it’s about making kids excited about new things and showing them its okay to ask questions and go on adventures." Isaac Jones (BBC/Andrew Hayes-Watkins) Isaac Jones Isaac has spent the last year working with club promoters, interviewing guest DJs - material that may not lend itself naturally to Blue Peter's demographic but he assures us that his real passion is children's TV. He's more than capable in the kitchen as well. Isaac says: “I’ve watched the show for years and love it. I think I could be a breath of fresh air and bring something new to the programme. Every presenter has their own style and I think mine is creative and current. I’m only 19 so in many ways I’m an average teenager, but I think my creative flair sets me apart." Andy Shepherd Andy has impeccable qualifications for the role.

He recently worked as a sports presenter for the online channel, SBTV, and has spent the last year travelling up and down the country interviewing stars of screen, pitch and track. Andy says: “I am who I am. There’s no-one like me. I love travelling and adventures. I think my friends would say that if there’s something I want I really go for it and try to achieve it." He jokes that he would celebrate victory "by making a Tracy Island!" The Girls Emma Bensley (BBC/Andrew Hayes-Watkins) Emma Bensley Likely to be one of the favourites to take the crown, Emma is a primary school teacher who has to entertain staff and pupils every week in assembly. She runs two school choirs, while her experience of art and craft will allow her to say, "Here's one I made earlier" with a completely straight face. Emma says: “I don’t put on an act, I’m just me and I think that’s important. Blue Peter presenters should be likeable and someone kids can relate to.

I’m full of energy, positive and willing to give anything a go." Kerry Boyne Dancing queen Kerry has an ambition to beat John Noakes’ record as the longest serving Blue Peter presenter, who stayed for 12 years. She attended the Brit School before graduating from the London Studios Centre in 2010 having trained for three years in dance and performance. Kerry says: “Blue Peter presenters have a lot of energy, passion, and have a real connection with the audience, but are still able to show who they are so people can relate to them. I feel like everything in my life has driven me to be where I am now. It’s made me feel comfortable with myself and I really want to inspire others to do the same." Hephzibah ‘Hettie' Colquhoun Somerset-born Hettie is a charity fundraiser who has amassed £250,000, completed the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and travelled all over the world. Not troubled by eating creepy crawlies or riding elephants, she has no experience but hopes to be a "diamond in the rough". Hettie says: “I think I could bring a different element to the show and shake it up a little.

I’m interested in different cultures and am fresh and different. I don’t have any presenting experience at all but am willing to work hard and learn." Lindsey Russell (BBC/Andrew Hayes-Watkins) Lindsey Russell Plenty of acting experience should help with any nerves for French-speaking Lindsey, who has performed in an award-winning comedy show at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and presented theatre workshops for The National Youth Theatre. She describes herself as "quite clumsy", which might endear her to audiences... whilst terrifying the producers. Lindsey says: “I think I’m bubbly, fun to be around. I am full of energy and think I’d make a good Blue Peter presenter as I know how to translate this energy to the viewers. I think that’s what makes me different – apart from my bright red hair and the fact that I’m really short. I have loads of enthusiasm and I’m always smiling. I’m quite clumsy too!" Shona Summers Shona works behind the scenes on ITV's Daybreak but has clearly been inspired and wants to pursue a career in front of the lens. Shona says: “I’m always up for a challenge and love learning new things.

I think I have an infectious personality and will hopefully get people excited about what I’m doing. I think I’m a girlie girl with an edge – a real go-getter." Blue Peter Presenters in the 90s - Katy Hill, Anthea Turner - Simply Eighties BLUE PETER IN THE 90S Whatever happened to the Blue Peter presenters from the 1990s? Yvette Fielding still hadn't reached 19 years old when she became a Blue Peter a presenter on 29th June 1987. She left the show on 29th June 1992, but still holds the record for being the youngest Blue Peter presenter. Fielding went on to feature in more adult shows, including the Sunday morning religious programme The Heaven And Earth Show and City Hospital, a live show broadcast from British hospitals. She is now best-known for presenting spooky TV programmes about ghosts, including Most Haunted and Ghosthunting With... Anthea Turner had a relatively short stint on the children's show between 14th Sept 1992 and 27th June 1994 and became the show's 20th presenter.

After leaving Blue Peter she hosted the ITV breakfast TV show GMTV for 2 and a half years, and also hosted the new National Lottery draw show for the BBC. In 2000, her career went down the pan after her involvement in the infamous "flakegate" - she wouldn't have earned a Blue Peter badge for that! For her wedding, Turner and her future husband, Grant Bovey, signed a deal with OK! magazine for £300,000 to take exclusive photos of the ceremony. The controversy was with the photos, which, apparently, showed Turner and Bovey promoting the new Cadbury Snowflake bar, for which she was heavily criticised by the media. The British presenter has since tried to revive her career many times, including appearing in Celebrity Big Brother during 2001. In 2006, Turner took part in the rather patronising BBC3 show Anthea Turner: The Perfect Housewife, in which she taught both men and women how to look after and clean their own homes.

She appeared in ITV1's cookery challenge show Hell's Kitchen in 2009, and since 2010 has been starring as an "expert" judge on a TV show on Food Network Canada entitled Dinner Party Wars. Diane-Louise Jordan presented Blue Peter for just over six years between 25th Jan 1990 and 26th Feb 1996. The trained actress became the programme's first black presenter. She has since presented the BBC's religious show Songs Of Praise and works with several charitable organisations. Tim Vincent has been very active since leaving the show. The welsh actor presented the show between 16th Dec 1993 and 24th Jan 1997, but went on to feature in the drama Dangerfield and also presented The Clothes Show. In 2000 he took on the role of Adam Forrester in the ITV soap, Emmerdale. Vincent lived and worked in the U.S. for several years during the 2000's, hosting several Miss World shows.

In 2008 he appeared in ITV's celebrity skating competition Dancing On Ice, and presented radio shows for London-based station Capital FM and Magic FM during 2008. Since 2011 Tim has presented This Morning's interactive hub on Friday's. Stuart Miles presented Blue Peter for four years between 27th June 1994 and 21st June 1999. The openly-gay presenter had a very active role in the show. Since then he has been a guest presenter on This Morning, Holiday and the ITV2 show Soap Fever, which previewed and reviewed the soaps. During 2007 Miles became a presenter on the Sky Vegas gambling channel and became a presenter on Gaydar radio in 2008. He also has a drag act called Stella Ratner, although I have found very little information about this. Stuart currently is a co-presenter with Katy Hill on Heart Radio. Katy Hill was my all-time favourite presenter, not only because I fancied her, but also because she was just so bubbly and enthusiastic.

She was on the show for 4 years between 23rd June 1995 and 19th June 2000. She was involved with countless assignments and had an enthusiasm that was hard to match. After leaving Blue Peter, Hill presented A Song For Europe in 2001 and 2002. She appeared on The Games on Channel 4 in 2004. After 2010 Katy worked as a relief co-presenter on ITV1's breakfast show Daybreak. Katy has also written blogs for the website ivillage.co.uk . She is currently working as a co-presenter (with Stuart Miles) on Heart Breakfast for Heart Radio. Do you remember Romana D'Annunzio? The Scottish presenter worked on the programme between 1996 and 1998. Sadly, I have found very little info about what she did after leaving the show, but I do know that she played the role of a female clubber in an episode of the Channel 4 drama Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star.

Richard Bacon was a presenter between 1997 and 1998, but was infamously sacked from Blue Peter after 1 year and 240 days when reports appeared in the tabloids that he had once taken cocaine. However, he has never been short of work since leaving the show. He has worked on The Big Breakfast, several radio shows and numerous BBC3 programmes. He hosted Richard Bacon's Beer & Pizza Club on ITV4 during 2010 and 2011, and since 2010 has been an afternoon presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. Katy Hill BBC News | Entertainment | Blue Peter presenter sacked Sunday, October 18, 1998 Published at 18:22 GMT 19:22 UK Entertainment Blue Peter presenter sacked Richard Bacon, far right, with presenters past and present Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon has been sacked from the popular children's television show after he admitted taking cocaine. An early version of Blue Peter's distinctive theme music Head of BBC children's programmes, Lorraine Heggessey, said his contract was terminated after allegations that he smoked cocaine during a 12-hour drugs and alcohol binge.

She said: "It is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down the millions of children who watch Blue Peter." BBC management is determined to protect Blue Peter's name The sacking happened hours before the programme, which celebrated its 40th birthday last week, was named as the special award winner at the third British Academy Children's Awards in recognition of its "outstanding contribution to children's television". Presenters Stuart Miles and Katy Hill refused to comment on their ex-colleague's disgrace as they arrived at the award ceremony at Thorpe Park, Surrey. Mr Bacon, 22, of Chiswick, west London, told the News of the World: "I have been stupid and regret making a silly mistake experimenting with drugs. "But I have learned the lesson the hard way and I hope it serves as a lesson to lots of other young people. I would also like to apologise to all loyal Blue Peter viewers." Ms Heggessey added: "For 40 years, Blue Peter has been a force for good, providing positive role models for children to follow and helping them to become responsible and caring adults.

It is vital that nothing tarnishes that reputation. "Richard accepts that he left us no option but to terminate his contract immediately. "He regrets his actions and has apologised to the Blue Peter team and to all Blue Peter viewers." Mr Bacon apologised to viewers in a statement released through the BBC. He said: "I fully accept and agree with the decision that has been taken. "I regret what I did but it was in my personal time and I therefore hope that it does not reflect on the show. "I am very grateful to Blue Peter for the opportunity it has given me and am very sorry that I have let everybody down." A BBC spokeswoman said management was still deciding how to explain the news to millions of young fans. "There will be some form of announcement tomorrow [Monday] at the appropriate time, but we haven't decided what or when." Mr Bacon had not pre-recorded any shows, so would not be appearing on Blue Peter again, she added. Previous controversies In 1980 viewers learned that presenter Peter Duncan had once featured in a porn film. There was also controversy in 1985 when video of presenter Michael Sundin emerged showing him in his underpants with a male stripper at a London nightclub.

Daniel Scott was "adopted" by presenters John Noakes and Valerie Singleton in 1968 and became the Blue Peter baby when he was aged 14 weeks. He made regular appearances on the show until he was two. It was later revealed that he had dropped out of school and took drugs. In 1987 controversy surrounded the revelation that presenter Janet Ellis was an unmarried mother. Blue Peter History | Blue Peter Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Add Image Over 4,000 editions have been produced since 1958, and almost every episode from 1964 onwards still exists in the BBC archives. This is extremely unusual for programmes of that era, and is a testament to the foresight and initiative of editor Biddy Baxter, as she personally ensured that telerecordings and, from 1970, video copies were kept of the episodes.

Many items from Blue Peter's history have become embedded in British popular culture, especially moments when things have gone wrong, such as the much-repeated clip of Lulu the elephant (from a 1969 edition)[4] who urinated and defecated on the studio floor, appeared to tread on the foot of presenter John Noakes and then proceeded to attempt an exit, dragging her keeper along behind her. Other well-remembered and much-repeated items from this era include the Girl Guides' campfire that got out of hand on the 1970 Christmas edition, John Noakes's report on the cleaning of Nelson's Column,[5] and Simon Groom referring to a previous item on door-knockers with the words 'what a beautiful pair of knockers'.[6] Through the Years Edit Early Years Blue Peter was first aired on 16 October 1958. It had been commissioned to producer John Hunter Blair by Owen Reed, the head of children's programmes at the BBC, as there were no programmes in existence that catered for children aged between five and eight.

Reed got his inspiration after watching Children's Television Club, the brainchild of former radio producer, Trevor Hill, who created the latter show as a successor to his programme Out of School, broadcast on BBC Radio's Children's Hour; Hill networked the programme from BBC Manchester and launched it aboard the Royal Iris paddle steamer on Merseyside with presenter Judith Chalmers welcoming everyone aboard at the bottom of the gangplank. It was subsequently televised about once a month (see Hill's autobiography Over the Airwaves, Book Guild 2005). Hill relates how Reed came to stay with him and his wife, Margaret Potter, in Cheshire, and was so taken with the "Blue Peter" flag on the side of the ship and the programme in general, that he asked to rename it and take it to London to be broadcast on a weekly basis (see Reed's obituary). The "Blue Peter" is used as a maritime signal, indicating that the vessel flying it is about to leave, and Reed chose the name to represent 'a voyage of adventure' on which the programme would set out. Hunter Blair also pointed out that blue was a child's favourite colour, and Peter was the common name of a typical child's friend.

The first two presenters were Christopher Trace, an actor, and Leila Williams, winner of Miss Great Britain in 1957. The two presenters were responsible for activities which matched the traditional gender roles. As Asa Briggs, the historian of broadcasting, expressed it in 1995: "Leila played with dolls; Chris played with trains".[7] They were supported on occasion by Tony Hart,[8] an artist who later designed the ship logo,[9] who told stories about an elephant called Packi (or Packie). It was broadcast every Friday for fifteen minutes (17.00-17.15) on BBC TV (which later became BBC One).[8] Over the first few months more features were added, including competitions, documentaries, cartoons, and stories. Early programmes were almost entirely studio-based, with very few filmed inserts being made. 1960s[edit] From Monday October 7, 1960, Blue Peter was switched from every Friday to every Monday and extended from 15 minutes to 20 minutes (17.00-17.20). In 1961, Hunter Blair became ill, and was often absent.

After he produced his last edition on 12 June 1961,[10] a series of temporary producers took up the post. Hunter Blair was replaced the following September by Clive Parkhurst.

He did not get along with Leila Williams, who recalled "he could not find anything for me to do", and in October, Williams did not appear for six editions, and was eventually fired, leaving Christopher Trace on his own or with one-off presenters.[11] Parkhurst was replaced by John Furness,[10] and Anita West joined Trace on 7 May 1962.[12] She featured in just 16 editions, making her the shortest-serving presenter, and was replaced by Valerie Singleton,[13] who presented regularly until 1972,[14] and on special assignments until 1981.[14] Following the departure of Furness, a new producer who was committed to Blue Peter was required, so Biddy Baxter was appointed.[10] At the time she was contracted to schools' programmes on the radio, and therefore unable to take up her new post immediately.[15] It was suggested that Edward Barnes,[16] a production assistant,[10] would temporarily produce the show until Baxter arrived, at which point he would become her assistant.

This suggestion was turned down, and a more experienced producer, Leonard Chase, was appointed, with Barnes as his assistant.[17] Baxter eventually joined Blue Peter at the end of October 1962.[16] During this period, many iconic features of Blue Peter were introduced.

The first appeal took place in December 1962, replacing the practice of reviewing toys that children would ask for themselves.[18] Blue Peter's first pet, a brown and white mongrel dog named Petra, was introduced on 17 December 1962.[19] The puppy soon died of distemper, and having decided against upsetting young viewers over the news, Barnes and Baxter had to search London pet shops for a convincing clandestine replacement.[20] Features such as "makes" (normally involving creating something such as an advent crown, out of household junk) and cooking became regular instalments on Blue Peter and continue to be used today.[21][22] The Blue Peter badge was introduced in 1963, along with the programme's new logo designed by Tony Hart.[9] Baxter introduced a system that ensured replies sent to viewers' letters were personal; as a girl, she had written to Enid Blyton and twice received a standard reply, which had upset her.[23] The next year, from 28 September 1964, Blue Peter began to be broadcast twice weekly, with Baxter becoming the editor in 1965, and Barnes and Rosemary Gill

 (an assistant producer who had joined as a temporary producer while Baxter was doing jury service) becoming the programme's producers.[24] The first Blue Peter book, an annual in all but name, was published this year, and have been produced nearly every year since.[25][26] A third presenter, John Noakes, was introduced at the end of 1965 and became the longest-serving presenter.

A complete contrast to Trace, Noakes set the scene for "daredevil" presenters that has continued through the generations of presenters.[27] Trace left Blue Peter in July 1967,[28] and was replaced by Peter Purves in November. The trio of Valerie Singleton, John Noakes and Peter Purves lasted five years, and according to Richard Marson were 'the most famous presenting team in the show's history'.[29] In 1965, the first Summer Expedition (a filming trip abroad) was held in Norway, and continued every year (except 1986) until 2010 all over the world.[30] 1970–1990s[edit] The first colour edition of Blue Peter aired on 14 September 1970, and the last black and white edition on 24 June 1974.[31] A regular feature of the 1970s were the Special Assignments, which were essentially reports on interesting topics, filmed on location.

Singleton took this role, and in effect became the programme's "roving reporter".[32] Blue Peter also offered breaking news on occasion, such as the 1971 eruption of Mount Etna, as well as unique items such as the first appearance of Uri Geller on British television. In May 1976, presenter Lesley Judd interviewed Otto Frank, father of Anne Frank, after he had agreed to bring his daughter's diaries to Britain.[33] In 1974, the Blue Peter Garden was officially opened in a green space outside the Television Centre restaurant block.[34] By this time, Blue Peter had become an established children's programme, with regular features which have since become traditions. Its theme music was updated by Mike Oldfield in 1979, and at the end of the decade a new presenting team was brought in, consisting of Simon Groom, Tina Heath and Christopher Wenner. They were overshadowed by the success of the previous two decades, and failed to make an impact.[35] Heath decided to leave after a year when she discovered she was pregnant, but agreed to have a live scan of her baby, something which had never been done on television before.

Blue Peter was praised for this by the National Childbirth Trust who told the BBC that in 'five minutes, Blue Peter had done more to educate children about birth than they'd achieved in ten years of sending out leaflets'.[36] Wenner was unpopular with viewers, so left along with Heath on 23 June 1980.[37] Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan both joined in 1980, and a new producer, Lewis Bronze, joined in 1982.[38] The 1980s saw the Blue Peter studio become more colourful and bright, with the presenters gradually wearing more fashionable outfits, in contrast to the more formal appearance of previous decades.[39] Several videos of Blue Peter were released from 1982, the first being Blue Peter Makes, and an omnibus comprising the two weekly editions appeared in 1986 on Sunday mornings.

On 27 June 1988, Baxter took part in her final show, after nearly 26 years of involvement,[40] and Bronze took her place as editor.[41] Around this time, Blue Peter became distinctively environmentally aware, and introduced a green badge in November 1988 for achievements related to the environment.[42] In 1989 (and again in 1992 and 1994), new arrangements of the theme tune was used. Due to falling ratings in BBC children's programming, BBC1 controller Alan Yentob suggested airing a third edition of Blue Peter each week from 1995. This meant that it was sometimes pre-recorded; Joe Godwin, the director, suggested that the Friday edition should be a lighter version of Blue Peter, which would concentrate on music, celebrities and games.[43] A fourth presenter, Katy Hill, was introduced in 1995,[44] but unlike earlier decades, there was little stability in the line-up, with resignations and new additions made almost every year of the decade.

The 1990s also saw many more live broadcasts on location, with many shot entirely away from the studio.[43] Blue Peter was also one of the first television series to launch a website. There were also two changes of editors: Oliver Macfarlane replaced Bronze in 1996,[45] 1998 marked the 40th anniversary of the TV show and the most talked about event to celebrate the show's 40th birthday was a trip behind LNER Peppercorn Class A2 60532 Blue Peter On an Edinburgh to London railtour. Due to safety rules none of the presenters were permitted to ride on board the footplate during the trip, however Peter Kirk (the man incharge onboard 60532 and who was presenting from the footplate) allowed Stuart Miles to travel on board the footplate between Newark-on-Trent & Peterborough (the reason for this was being due to this section being where back on 3 July 1938 an LNER A4 Locomotive no 4468 Mallard set a world speed record of 126 mph, this record still stands to this day).

In October 1998, Richard Bacon was sacked, following reports in the News of the World that he had taken cocaine.[46] Steve Hocking then replaced Macfarlane as editor, at a time that was believed to be a difficult period for the programme.[47] He introduced a further re-arrangement of the theme tune and a new graphics package in September 1999. 2000s–present[edit] The 2000s started off when two time capsules that had been buried on Blue Peter were opened up. The former presenters were invited back to assist, and the rest of the programme looked at life in the 1970s when the first capsule was buried.[48] With Hill's departure and replacement by Liz Barker in 2000, the new team of Konnie Huq, Simon Thomas, Matt Baker and herself made the programme strong and consistent for the next five years, which had been somewhat lacking in the 1990s. The Friday edition, as in the previous decade, featured games and competitions, but additionally there was a drama series, The Quest, which featured cameos from many former presenters.

Basil Brush also made several appearances on Fridays. It was at this time that the new Head of the BBC Children's Department, Nigel Pickard, asked for Blue Peter to be broadcast all year round. This was achieved by having two editions per week instead of three during the summer months, and using pre-recorded material.[49] The early 2000s also introduced Christmas productions, in which the presenters took part.[50] In 2003, Richard Marson became the new editor, and one of his first tasks was changing the output of Blue Peter on the digital CBBC, which for the first year of the channel's launch consisted of repeated editions, plus spin-off series Blue Peter Unleashed and Blue Peter Flies the World.[51] This new arrangement involved a complex schedule of live programmes and pre-recorded material, being broadcast on BBC One and CBBC. Marson also introduced a new set, graphics and music.[52] In September 2007, a new editor, Tim Levell, took over. At the same time, budget cuts meant that the programme came from a smaller studio.

In February 2008 the BBC One programme was moved from 5 pm to 4.35 pm to accommodate The Weakest Link, and as a result, Blue Peter's ratings dropped to as low as 100,000 viewers in the age 6–12 bracket but have since steadily improved. The specially painted Blue Peter British Airways Boeing 757 landing at London Heathrow Airport. Writing in the BBC's in-house magazine, Ariel, in 2009, BBC Children's Controller Richard Deverell announced plans to re-invent the show to be more like the BBC's motoring programme Top Gear. Deverell hopes that by adding "danger and excitement", Blue Peter will achieve the same "playground buzz" among children as Top Gear.[53] On 29 March 2011, Blue Peter became the first programme in the UK to broadcast an entire show in 360 degrees on the web.

Viewers were able to watch the programme via their TVs and simultaneously interact with the television studio in front and behind the cameras on the website.[54] Viewers were also challenged to play a game where they had to find particular crew members and staff dressed up in distinctive costumes. The final edition of Blue Peter to broadcast from the BBC's Television Centre in London, was broadcast on 28 June 2011, before a move to the BBC's new facilities at MediaCityUK in Salford.[55] The set left behind at BBC Television Centre was subsequently purchased and installed at Sunderland University's David Puttnam Media Centre in August 2013.[56] When the new series started on 26 September 2011, after the usual summer break, Barney Harwood and Helen Skelton revealed the new look Blue Peter studio along with the new music and title sequence. It also saw the launch of the Blue Peter Appeal 2011 in support of Children in Need.

Departed Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere was not initially replaced, and for the first time in 50 years only two presenters remained on the programme, until a third member of the team, Lindsey Russell, joined the team in July 2013.[57] From 12 January 2012, Blue Peter has been broadcast all year round (with no break for summer) once a week, its original premiere being on CBBC Channel on Thursdays at 5.45pm, changed to 5.30pm from April 2013. It was usually repeated on Fridays on BBC One, although this ceased in December 2012. At this time, Levell left to work at BBC Radio 5 Live; he was replaced (initially in an acting capacity) as editor by Ewan Vinnicombe, who had worked on the programme as a producer since 2007. The reformatted Blue Peter occasionally also includes specials and spin-offs such as "Helen's Polar Adventure" or the Stargazing Live special on other days of the week.

On 25 July 2013, Blue Peter aired its first live outdoor broadcast from Leeds.[58] Richard Bacon tells of being forced to hand back Blue Peter badge - Telegraph Culture News Richard Bacon tells of being forced to hand back Blue Peter badge BBC presenter Richard Bacon has told how he was forced to give back his Blue Peter badge after being fired from the show for taking cocaine. BBC Radio Five Live presenter Richard Bacon Photo: Rex Features By Claire Carter 7:33AM BST 24 May 2013 Mr Bacon was dropped from the popular television show in 1998 at the age of 22 when his dealer told him he would expose him, after recognising him from the show. After being forced to confess to his parents and Blue Peter bosses, Mr Bacon said then editor Oliver MacFarlane didn’t know what cocaine was and thought it was something people smoked, the Sun reported. Mr Bacon, now a presenter on BBC Radio Five Live, released his memoirs A series of Unrelated Events on Thursday, where he talks about how he risked his career for the drug.

He said he had to confess to former children's television chief Lorraine Heggessey and said: “As I got up to leave, they demanded one more thing of me. This must be the only formality a Blue Peter presenter has in common with being in the Los Angeles Police Department – when you leave they ask you to hand in your badge.” Mr Bacon was forced to hand back the badge, a which featured the trademark blue ship on a white background. Related Articles Blue Peter | Cartoon Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Share Blue Peter was first aired on 16 October 1958. It had been commissioned to producer John Hunter Blair by Owen Reed, the head of children's programmes at the BBC, as there were no programmes in existence that catered for children aged between five and eight.[1] The name "Blue Peter" was thought up by Hunter Blair; the Blue Peter flag , used as a maritime signal, indicates the vessel is about to leave, and Hunter Blair intended the name to represent "a voyage of adventure" on which the programme would set out. Hunter Blair also pointed out that blue was a child's[ who? ] favourite colour, and Peter was the name of a child's[ who? ] friend.

The first two presenters were Christopher Trace , an actor, and Leila Williams , winner of Miss Great Britain in 1957. The initial format mostly involved the two presenters demonstrating different activities, with Trace concentrating on traditional "boys' toys" such as model aeroplanes and trains, and Williams concentrating on dolls and traditional female tasks, such as cookery. They were supported on occasion by Tony Hart ,[2] an artist who later designed the ship logo,[3] who told stories about an elephant called Packi (or Packie). It was broadcast every Monday for fifteen minutes on BBC tv (which later became BBC One).[2] Blue Peter was popular from the outset, and over the first few months, more features were added such as competitions, documentaries, cartoons, and stories. Early programmes were almost entirely studio-based, with very few external films being created. In 1961, Hunter Blair became ill, meaning he was often absent from the show. After he produced his last show on 12 June 1961,[4] he was replaced by Clive Parkhurst the following September.

He did not get along with Leila Williams, who recalled "he couldn't find anything for me to do", and in October Williams did not appear for six editions leaving Christopher Trace on his own or with one-off presenters.[5] Parkhurst was replaced by John Furness ,[4] and Anita West joined Christopher Trace on 7 May 1962.[6] She featured on just 16 editions, making her the shortest serving presenter, and was replaced by Valerie Singleton ,[7] who presented regularly until 1972,[8] and on special assignments until 1981.[8] Following Furness's departure, a new producer who was committed to Blue Peter was required, so Biddy Baxter was appointed.[4] However, at the time, Baxter was contracted to schools' programmes on the radio so was unable to take up her new post until October 1962. It was suggested that Edward Barnes ,[9] a production assistant,[4] would temporarily produce the show until Baxter arrived, at which point he would become her assistant.

This suggestion was turned down, and a more experienced producer, Leonard Chase , was appointed with Barnes as his assistant.[10] Baxter eventually joined Blue Peter at the end of October 1962.[9] During this period, many iconic features of Blue Peter were introduced.

The first appeal took place in December 1962, taking place of the previous practice of reviewing toys that children would ask for themselves.[11] Blue Peter's first pet, a brown and white mongrel dog named Petra was introduced on 17 December 1962.[12] Features such as "makes" (normally involving creating something such as an advent crown out of household junk) and cooking became regular instalments on Blue Peter and continue to be today.[13][14] The Blue Peter badge was introduced in 1963, along with the programme's new logo designed by Tony Hart.[3] Baxter introduced a system that ensured replies sent to viewers' letters were personal ones; as a girl, she had written to Enid Blyton and received a standard reply twice which had upset her.[15] The following year, from 28 September 1964, Blue Peter began to be broadcast twice weekly, with Baxter becoming the editor and Barnes and Rosemary Gill (an assistant producer who had joined as a temporary producer while Baxter was doing jury service) became the programme's producers.[16] The first Blue Peter book, an annual in all but name, was published this year and have

 been nearly every year since.[17][18] A third presenter, John Noakes , was introduced at the end of 1965 and became the longest serving presenter.

A complete contrast to Trace, Noakes set the scene for "daredevil" presenters that has continued through the generations of presenters.[19] Trace left Blue Peter in July 1967,[20] and was replaced by Peter Purves in November. The trio of Valerie Singleton, John Noakes and Peter Purves lasted five years, and according to Richard Marson were "the most famous presenting team in the show's history".[21] In 1965, the first "Summer Expedition" (a filming trip abroad) was held in Norway, and have been every year since all over the world.[22] The first colour edition of Blue Peter aired on 14 September 1970, with the last black and white edition on 24 June 1974.[23] A regular feature of the 1970s were the Special Assignments, which were essentially reports on interesting topics, filmed on location.

Singleton took this role, and in effect became the programme's "roving reporter".[24] Blue Peter also offered breaking news on occasion, such as the 1971 eruption of Mount Etna , as well as unique items such as the first appearance of Uri Geller on British television. In May 1976, presenter Lesley Judd interviewed Otto Frank , father of Anne Frank , after he had agreed to bring his daughter's diaries to Britain.[25] In 1974, the Blue Peter garden was officially opened in a green space outside the television centre restaurant block.[26] By this time, Blue Peter had become an established children's programme, with regular features which have since become traditions. Its theme music was updated by Mike Oldfield in 1979, and at the end of the decade a new presenting team were brought in, consisting of Simon Groom , Tina Heath and Christopher Wenner .

They were, however, overshadowed by the success of the previous two decades, and failed to make an impact.[27] Heath decided to leave after just a year when she discovered she was pregnant, but agreed to have a live scan of her baby, something which had never been done on television. Blue Peter was praised for this by the National Childbirth Trust who told the BBC that in "five minutes, Blue Peter had done more to educate children about birth than they'd achieved in ten years of sending out leaflets".[28] Wenner was unpopular with viewers, so left along with Heath on 23 June 1980.[29] Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan both joined in 1980, and a new producer, Lewis Bronze , joined in 1982.[30] The 1980s saw the Blue Peter studio become more colourful and bright, with the presenters gradually wearing more fashionable outfits, in contrast to the more formal appearance of previous decades.[31] Several videos of Blue Peter were released from 1982, the first being Blue Peter Makes, and an omnibus comprising the two weekly editions of the show appeared in 1986 on Sunday mornings.

On 27 June 1988, Baxter took part in her final show, after nearly 26 years involvement,[32] and Bronze took her place as editor.[33] Around this time, Blue Peter became distinctively environmentally aware and introduced a green badge in November 1988 for achievements related to the environment.[34] In the 1990s, a new version of the theme tune was written, and due to falling ratings, BBC1 controller Alan Yentob suggested airing a third edition of Blue Peter each week. This meant that the third show was pre-recorded; Joe Godwin , the director, suggested that the Friday show should be a lighter version of Blue Peter, which would concentrate on music, celebrities and games.[35] A fourth presenter, Katy Hill , was introduced in 1995,[36] but unlike earlier decades, there was little stability in the lineup, with resignations and new additions made almost every year of the decade. The 1990s also saw many more live broadcasts on location, with many shows shot entirely away from the studio.[35] Blue Peter was also one of the first television shows to launch a website.

There were also two changes of editors: Oliver Macfarlane replaced Bronze in the mid-1990s,[37] and moved on in 1999 soon after Blue Peter celebrated its 40th anniversary.[38] It was at this time Richard Bacon was sacked following reports in News of the World that he had taken cocaine .[39] Steve Hocking was then appointed as editor in what was believed to be a difficult period for the show.[40] However, the 2000s started off successfully, when two time capsules that had been buried on Blue Peter were opened up. The former presenters were invited back to assist, and the rest of the programme looked at life in the 1970s when the first capsule was buried.[41] With Hill's departure and replacement by Liz Barker in 2000, the new team of Konnie Huq , Simon Thomas , Matt Baker and herself made the programme strong and consistent for the next five years, which had been somewhat lacking in the 1990s.

The Friday edition of the show, as in the previous decade, featured games and competitions, but additionally there was a drama series, The Quest, which featured cameos from many former presenters. Basil Brush also made several appearances on Fridays. It was at this time that the new controller of BBC One, Nigel Packard , asked for Blue Peter to be broadcast all year round. This was achieved by having two shows per week instead of three during the summer months, and using pre-recorded material.[42] The early 2000s also introduced Christmas productions, which the presenters took part in.[43] In 2003, Richard Marson became the new editor, and one of his first tasks was changing Blue Peters output on the digital CBBC Channel , which for the first year of the channel's launch consisted of repeated editions, plus spin-off shows Blue Peter Unleashed and Blue Peter Flies the World.[44] This new arrangement involved a complex schedule of live shows and pre-recorded material, being broadcast on BBC One and the CBBC Channel .

Marson also introduced a new set, graphics and music,[45] In February 2008 the BBC One programme was moved from 5:00 pm to 4:35 pm to accommodate The Weakest Link , and as a result of the move, Blue Peters ratings dropped to as low as 100,000 viewers in the age 6–12 bracket but are now steadily improving. Over 4000 shows have been produced since 1958, and almost every episode from 1964 onwards still exists in the BBC archives. This is extremely unusual for programmes of that era, and is a testament to the foresight and initiative of editor Biddy Baxter , as she personally ensured that telerecordings and, from 1970, video copies were kept of the episodes. Richard Bacon says Blue Peter drugs sacking was 'positive' | Daily Mail Online comments It would have been career suicide for most people. But former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon has claimed ‘positive things came out of’ being fired for taking cocaine. The 1998 scandal reduced Bacon’s father to tears, while causing embarrassment for the BBC.

Scroll down for video Former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon (pictured) has claimed ‘positive things came out of’ being fired for taking cocaine - the 1998 scandal caused embarrassment for the BBC But giving an interview 16 years after becoming the first host to be sacked from the children’s programme, the broadcaster, 38, boasted that ‘the Blue Peter thing’ served as an ‘ice-breaker’, which opened doors in other directions. Bacon said: ‘The Blue Peter thing changed the whole course of my life; the path I was going down altered dramatically. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share ‘Without it, I probably would’ve gone to some kind of holiday show, promoting two-night stays somewhere. It had a huge impact. It’s a fact of my life, and almost as big a part of me now as one of my limbs. ‘I’m not in any way advocating that people should try that as a career plan but, like the Japanese proverb says, out of adversity, came opportunity. Positive things came out of it.’ Bacon was just 18 months into his dream job at Blue Peter when he was fired at the age of 22 after admitting he took cocaine in a London nightclub.

At the time the BBC issued a statement from Lorraine Heggessey, head of children’s programmes, which said: ‘It is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down the millions of children who watch Blue Peter.’ Left to right: Blue Peter presenters Konnie Huq, Richard Bacon, Katy Hill and Stuart Miles in 1997 A producer told Bacon him he would never work in television again. More than a decade on, Bacon’s career has seen him present multiple television programmes for the Corporation, as well as for Channel 4 and ITV. Until it stopped broadcasting in September, he also had a regular radio show on BBC Radio 5 Live. Referring to the scandal as an ‘ice-breaker’, Bacon, who is a black card holder at private members’ club Soho House, said in an interview with the Daily Mirror: ‘It opened a whole new series of jobs, like the gig at Channel 4’s Big Breakfast. I became known as the naughty boy, working with all the other naughty kids. I never thought for a second I’d stop working because of it.

Richard Bacon (pictured) with his wife, Rebecca McFarlane in 2011 ‘I’m an extremely positive person and never thought I’d not work for the BBC again. It’s such a broad organisation that for them to speak with one voice and ban me completely seemed unlikely.’ Financially, Bacon, who was educated at £24,000 a year Worksop College, has also done well - he is in the top 1 per cent of British earners - raising questions over whether he was the ideal presenter for his latest project, Channel 4’s How Rich Are You?, which aired last night. Bacon said: ‘The show isn’t a communist manifesto but we need more equality. the gap between rich and poor has become too big. The ladder isn’t taller, the rungs have got further apart.’ The one-off documentary examined the poverty gap in Britain, with Bacon criticising a system where ‘the rich get richer and the poor get poorer’. He recently bought property in West Hollywood, where he is moving with his wife Rebecca and children, after reportedly landing a prime-time TV series in the States.

Last week it emerged the privately-educated star, who has been described as belonging to the ‘smug metropolitan elite’ is renting his £3 million London property for £15,000 a month during the temporary move. Blue Peter says farewell to Shepherd's Bush after an eventful 53 years | Television & radio | The Guardian Blue Peter says farewell to Shepherd's Bush after an eventful 53 years Landmark BBC children's programme transmits last London show as production prepares for move to MediaCityUK in Salford Former Blue Peter presenters Anthea Turner, left, and Diane-Louise Jordan take part in the hula-hoop record attempt at BBC television centre. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA Tuesday 28 June 2011 15.54 EDT First published on Tuesday 28 June 2011 15.54 EDT Close This article is 5 years old At teatime on Tuesday, one of the BBC's most famous grownup children took one last look around a hallowed, if unlovely, patch of west London before finally leaving home at the age of 53.

There were no incontinent elephants, no sticky-back plastic gags and not even a sad, spectral bark from Shep to mark its departure. But then the world – real and televisual – has moved on a little since Blue Peter first stumbled around BBC television centre as an innocent, black-and-white toddler in 1958. And the final show before the move from Shepherd's Bush to Salford was a 21st century affair. Cameras followed the show's trio of presenters dashing around the centre, accompanied not by the familiar jaunty tune but by a soundtrack of Leftfield, Lily Allen, Kelly Rowland and Kesha. Besides the montage of studio appearances featuring helicopters, abseilers, buses, dinosaurs, huskies, stunt cyclists and monster trucks – plus the occasional Batmobile and Tardis – the only indisputably classic piece of Blue Peter idiosyncrasy in the last London programme was an item that would surely have pleased longtime former editor Biddy Baxter herself. Standing in the vast hole at the centre of the doughnut-shaped building, 436 people tried to break the record for hula hoop dancing. Would the mainly young crowd beat the record of 342?

Or would they be let down by the presence of Blue Peter veterans Janet Ellis, Anthea Turner and Diane-Louise Jordan? Despite the disqualification of 10 hula-hoopers – including presenter Andy Akinwolere, whose last show it was – they smashed the record and were rewarded with a suspiciously ready-framed certificate from the people at Guinness. Akinwolere redeemed himself by climbing into the Blue Peter Skoda and travelling up a hill six seconds faster than a lanky Frenchman could shoot down it in a wheel-covered suit. "Get in!" he shouted. "Challenge complete!" In a sentence that might have not have come quite as easily to the lips of John Noakes or even Peter Duncan, Akinwolere's colleague Barney Harwood told him: "Congratulations, dude!" After bestowing Blue Peter's highest honour – the coveted gold badge – on a teenager who had climbed most of the world's highest mountains by the age of 16, Akinwolere grew slightly lachrymose over his time on the programme and his meetings with the Queen, Lewis Hamilton and Usain Bolt.

"How on earth would you get to do that on any other programme?" he asked, overcome, no doubt, by the recorded farewell message from David Hasselhoff himself. He was not the only one to note that an era was drawing to a close. "Blue Peter, perhaps more than any other show, has made a star of television centre, with its drive-ins, garden projects and studio spectaculars," editor Tim Levell said. "Filming the show today, many of us on the production have had misty eyes, thinking about what has gone before and appreciating our place in Blue Peter's distinguished cultural lineage. "It makes us even more determined to continue producing shows that inspire and inform children about what they can do in the world – and also to make a star out of our new home, MediaCityUK ." Back in the studio, when the dance troupe Diversity had performed, it was time to say goodbye to Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush. "Thank you," said Akinwolere. "This is ..." And then his words were drowned out by a remixed but still instantly recognisable theme tune as the camera panned away from the facade of television centre for one last time.

Wood Lane highlights • Lulu the elephant memorably ran rings around her keeper and presenters John Noakes, Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves, by defecating and urinating on the studio floor and treading on Noakes's foot. As well as defecating and urinating on the studio floor, the pint-sized pachyderm managed to play footsie with Noakes, prompting him to plead: "Ooh, get off me foot." • Presenter Simon Groom may have been remarking on the exquisite workmanship that had gone in to the restoration of the door furniture at Durham Cathedral, but surely any formulation would have been preferable to the line he trotted out on air in 1980: "What a beautiful pair of knockers." • Percy Thrower's years of patiently tending the Blue Peter garden were nearly undone in November 1983 when vandals tore it up. Seventeen years later, footballer Les Ferdinand, who grew up nearby, told the BBC he may have "helped a few people over the wall". He later recanted, telling the Guardian he had been joking.

• The show had to navigate some very choppy waters in 1998 when Richard Bacon was sacked after it emerged that he had taken cocaine. The BBC's head of children's programmes, Lorraine Heggessey, told viewers: "I believe that Richard has not only let himself and the team on Blue Peter down, but he has also let all of you down badly. We have decided that Richard cannot continue to present Blue Peter and he agrees that this is the right decision." • In September 2006, the BBC apologised after admitting that an online poll to name the Blue Peter cat had been rigged. Although viewers voted for Cookie, it was christened Socks, the second choice name, as producers felt it was "more suitable". After explaining what had happened, the presenter Zoe Salmon said: "That was wrong so today we'd like to say sorry." The previous year, presenter Konnie Huq had to apologise after a girl on a studio tour was asked to stand in as the winner of a phone-in competition.

Question: Which presenter was sacked from Blue Peter after it was discovered he had taken cocaine?
Answer: RICHARD BACON