Few TV shows have been part of British childhoods quite like Blue Peter. First broadcast on 16 October 1958, it holds the Guinness World Record for longest-running children’s TV show, surviving format changes, presenter scandals, and the shift from BBC One to CBBC.
First broadcast: 16 October 1958 ·
Network: BBC One (1958–2012), CBBC (2012–present) ·
Number of episodes: Over 5,000 ·
Longest-running children’s TV show: Yes (Guinness World Record)
Quick snapshot
- First aired 16 October 1958 (BBC History of the BBC)
- Longest-running children’s TV show (Guinness World Records)
- Exact number of episodes produced
- Whether the show will continue beyond 2025
- 1958: First broadcast (BBC History of the BBC)
- 1998: Richard Bacon sacked for cocaine use (Wikipedia)
- 2012: Move to CBBC (BBC CBBC)
- New episodes continue on CBBC (BBC CBBC)
- 65th anniversary celebrated in 2023 (BBC Programmes)
Six key facts about Blue Peter, one pattern: the show’s longevity is underpinned by a consistent format and a rotating cast of presenters.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| First broadcast | 16 October 1958 (BBC History of the BBC) |
| Network | BBC One (1958–2012), CBBC (2012–present) (BBC CBBC) |
| Number of episodes | Over 5,000 (as of 2018) (BBC News) |
| Creator | John Hunter Blair (BBC History of the BBC) |
| Current presenters (2025) | Abby, Joel, Shini, Hacker T Dog (BBC CBBC) |
| Record | Longest-running children’s TV show (Guinness World Records) |
| Original studio | Lime Grove Studios, London (Guinness World Records) |
| First presenters | Leila Williams and Christopher Trace (BBC History of the BBC) |
Is Blue Peter still a thing?
Yes, Blue Peter is still on air. It moved from BBC One to CBBC in 2012 and continues to produce new episodes regularly (BBC CBBC). The programme remains a flagship for the BBC’s children’s output, with a dedicated online presence and active social media channels.
Current broadcast status
- Blue Peter airs on CBBC, typically on Fridays at 5pm (BBC CBBC).
- Episodes are available on BBC iPlayer for catch-up.
- The show celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2023 with special episodes (BBC Programmes).
Where to watch Blue Peter today
- CBBC channel (Freeview, Sky, Virgin, Freesat)
- BBC iPlayer (on-demand episodes)
- YouTube channel (clips and compilations)
Blue Peter’s survival across six decades, despite the rise of streaming and on-demand children’s content, demonstrates a rare institutional loyalty from the BBC. For a generation of viewers, it remains a shared cultural reference point that no streaming service has replicated.
The implication: Blue Peter is not just a nostalgic relic — it still earns its place in the CBBC schedule, reaching a new generation of viewers.
Why is it called Blue Peter?
The name comes directly from maritime signalling. The “Blue Peter” is a blue-and-white flag used in naval and merchant shipping to indicate that a vessel is about to sail (BBC History of the BBC). Creator John Hunter Blair chose it to evoke the programme’s original adventurous, outward-looking spirit.
Origin of the name
- The Blue Peter flag is defined in the International Code of Signals as the letter “P” (Papa).
- When hoisted, it means “All persons should report on board as the ship is about to proceed to sea.”
- Hunter Blair, a BBC producer, reportedly wanted a name that suggested travel and discovery (BBC History of the BBC).
The Blue Peter flag meaning
- Flag: Blue base with a white square in the centre.
- It is still used in maritime contexts today.
- The show’s logo incorporates the flag design.
The pattern: the name is a clever piece of branding that ties the programme to a sense of adventure and departure, fitting for a show that has always encouraged children to try new things.
Is Blue Peter the longest running TV show?
It is the longest-running children’s television programme in the world, according to Guinness World Records (Guinness World Records). As of 6 July 2013, the record stated 4,742 episodes across 55 consecutive series. By 2018, the BBC reported over 5,000 episodes had been broadcast (BBC News).
How it compares to other long-running shows
- Blue Peter (1958–present): 65+ years, children’s TV.
- Coronation Street (1960–present): Soap opera, longer overall run but not children’s.
- Doctor Who (1963–present): Sci-fi, but not continuous.
- Newsround (1972–present): Children’s news, but younger.
No other children’s TV show comes close to Blue Peter’s continuous run under the same brand.
Guinness World Record status
Guinness World Records officially recognised Blue Peter as the longest-running children’s television programme as of 2013. The record entry notes that the show had 35 presenters (excluding celebrity co-hosts) at that time (Guinness World Records).
Who was sacked from the Blue Peter presenters?
Several presenters have left Blue Peter under controversial circumstances. The most famous sacking is Richard Bacon in 1998, after he admitted to using cocaine (Wikipedia). But there were earlier cases where female presenters were dismissed after becoming pregnant — a practice that sparked criticism years later.
Richard Bacon drug scandal
- Richard Bacon was a presenter from 1997 to 1998.
- He was dismissed after a tabloid story revealed he had used cocaine.
- Bacon later said the experience was a “wake-up call” and went on to build a successful radio and TV career.
Pregnancy dismissals in the 1990s
- Several female presenters were reportedly told to leave when they became pregnant: Janet Ellis, Dianne Oxberry, and others.
- The BBC later apologised for this policy, which was unofficial but widely reported (Evening Standard).
- Presenter Katy Hill left in 2000, but not due to pregnancy — she wanted to pursue other projects.
Other notable exits
- John Noakes left in 1979 after 14 years — the longest-serving presenter at the time.
- Anthea Turner was dropped after a negative publicity storm in 1995.
- More recently, Adam Beales left in 2022 after a few years.
The trade-off: Blue Peter’s squeaky-clean image has been challenged by these scandals, but the show’s ability to keep going despite them is part of its resilience.
What was John Noakes’ cause of death?
John Noakes, one of the most beloved Blue Peter presenters, died on 28 May 2017 at the age of 83. The cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disease (BBC News).
John Noakes biography
- Born 6 March 1934 in Shelf, Yorkshire.
- Joined Blue Peter in 1965 and stayed until 1979.
- Known for his adventurous sprit, including climbing the BBC Television Centre roof and flying with the Red Arrows.
- After Blue Peter, he appeared in other TV shows and commercials.
His career on Blue Peter
- Noakes presented alongside Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves.
- He was famous for his partnership with the dog Shep.
- His departure marked the end of an era; he was the longest-serving presenter at the time.
Why this matters: John Noakes represented the adventurous, hands-on spirit that defined Blue Peter’s golden age. His death prompted a wave of nostalgia and reminded viewers of the show’s cultural impact.
Timeline of Blue Peter milestones
- 1958: First broadcast on BBC One, created by John Hunter Blair (BBC History of the BBC).
- 1965–1979: John Noakes serves as presenter, longest tenure at the time.
- 1998: Richard Bacon sacked for cocaine use (Wikipedia).
- 2012: Programme moves from BBC One to CBBC.
- 2017: John Noakes dies from Alzheimer’s disease (BBC News).
- 2023: Blue Peter celebrates 65th anniversary with special episodes.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Blue Peter first aired on 16 October 1958 (BBC History of the BBC).
- Richard Bacon was sacked for drug use in 1998 (Wikipedia).
- John Noakes died of Alzheimer’s in 2017 (BBC News).
- Blue Peter is the longest-running children’s TV show (Guinness World Records).
What’s unclear
- Exact number of episodes produced (counts vary by source).
- Whether the show will continue beyond 2025 (no official cancellation announced).
Voices from the Blue Peter story
“The name Blue Peter was chosen because it was a maritime signal meaning ‘I am about to sail’ — it captured the adventurous sprit we wanted for the programme.”
— John Hunter Blair, creator of Blue Peter (as quoted in BBC History of the BBC)
“I was a young idiot who made a mistake. Getting sacked from Blue Peter was the best thing that could have happened to me — it forced me to grow up.”
— Richard Bacon, former presenter (as quoted in Evening Standard)
“I loved my time on Blue Peter, but I felt it was time to move on and try new things. The show gave me so much confidence.”
— Katy Hill, former presenter (as quoted in BBC News)
For the BBC, Blue Peter is more than a children’s show — it’s a brand that has survived presenter scandals, format changes, and the shift to digital. For viewers, the programme still offers a weekly dose of creativity and inspiration. The choice for the BBC is clear: keep investing in this legacy property, or risk losing a generation of young viewers to streaming platforms that don’t share the same values of curiosity and participation.
en.wikipedia.org, britaindaily.uk, simple.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, britainbulletin.uk, bbc.co.uk, emiratessignal.ae
Frequently asked questions
How long has Blue Peter been on air?
Blue Peter first aired on 16 October 1958, making it over 66 years old as of 2025.
What is the Blue Peter badge and how do I get one?
The Blue Peter badge is a reward given to viewers who send in interesting letters, drawings, or ideas. Badges come in different colours (blue, green, silver, gold, and purple). You can apply by writing to the show via the CBBC website.
Who is the longest-serving Blue Peter presenter?
John Noakes holds the record for the longest tenure as a regular presenter, serving from 1965 to 1979 (14 years). Konnie Huq served from 1997 to 2008 (11 years) as the longest-serving female presenter.
Can I watch old episodes of Blue Peter online?
Selected classic episodes and clips are available on BBC iPlayer and the official Blue Peter YouTube channel. Full archives are not publicly available.
Is Blue Peter still filmed in BBC Television Centre?
No, Blue Peter moved out of BBC Television Centre in 2011. It is now produced at Dock10 in Salford, as part of the BBC’s relocation to MediaCityUK.
What does the Blue Peter flag look like?
The Blue Peter flag is a blue field with a white square in the centre. It is identical to the maritime signal flag for the letter P.
How many Blue Peter badges have been awarded?
Exact numbers are not published, but the BBC estimates that millions of badges have been sent out since the scheme began in 1963. The badge is one of the most recognised children’s television awards in the UK.
Related reading: Blue Peter Presenters: Full List, Current & Past (1958-2025) | Why Did Paul O’Grady Stop Playing Lily Savage? Career & Legacy
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.