It made sticky plastic a must-have, inspired tens of thousands of children to make their own tracy islands from papier-mâché and to wash liquid bottles and 'get down, SKP' in a national slogan.
But now, after 66 years, Blue Peter has to be removed from our television screens and moved online. The director confirmed the fate of the show – and the news that it will no longer be sent live – in which the move is described as 'the end of an era'.
The program started in October 1958 and was screened three times a week on BBC1 in his heyday, which means that stars such as Peter Purves, Janet Ellis, Valerie Singleton and Peter Duncan.
But although Blue Peter has always been a cozy and sensible watch for young people, the end of the end of everything is, but the post on Sunday can reveal.
Insiders have told how the decision to get it out of the air was kept a secret by bosses, with his presenters Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mowhinney and Abby Cook are not aware of the size of the changes. In fact, they had wondered where their new contracts had come in recent months.
A show source said: 'Of course this has been in the making for months.
'The big bosses all knew what happened and those they told them were all told that they had to keep it quiet. It is a huge shock and a number of crew members still have no idea what's going on. Goodness knows what it means for the presenters and those who work on the show, but the opinion is that it was all very poorly handled. '
Another insider revealed how employees were told to attend a meeting at the northern head office of the BBC in Salford this week, but has not received any hints about what it would be about.
After 66 years, Blue Peter must be removed from our television screens and moved online. The director confirmed the fate of the show – and the news that it will no longer be sent live – in which the move is described as 'the end of an era'
The program started in October 1958 and was screened three times a week on BBC1 in his heyday, making stars 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 will remain on TV screens for the time being
Insiders have told how the decision to get it out of the air was kept a secret by bosses, where his presenters wondered where their new contracts had come in recent months. Above John Noakes climbs the Nelson column in London during a Blue Peter program 1977
The post on Sunday revealed for the first time the fear that the BBC was planning to take Blue Peter from TV screens in October 2023 after three presenters stopped in three years -although BBC bosses had played the problems and stated that there were 'no plans' to drop the show
They said: 'Everyone who is working on the show was told to come in. Very few knew what it was about until rumors started to leak online. It's shocking. There have been many hectic phone calls and e -mails to bosses on weekends to try to get news about what is happening. '
It is understood that the editor, Ellen Evans, who has held the role since 2019, did not respond to questions from her staff. The long-term director Martin Williams-Neale said on Friday: 'Today my last day is on Blue Peter and I am proud to direct the last live show. It is really the end of an era.
“A big thanks to my talented and loyal crew, many leave the program today, for your hard work and dedication.”
At the peak, Blue Peter was viewed by eight million viewers, who made well -known names of presenters such as John Noakes and make memorable moments, such as Lulu The Elephant who illuminates themselves 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 -Gastheer Simon Thomas.
Some former presenters shared their grief on the reduced future of the show. Richard Bacon, who started his stint in 1997 on Blue Peter, but less than two years later was fired for sniffing cocaine, said: “I just love that show. Even if I caused it.
'Being live is what made it alive. The elephant, the studio that takes fire … the mistakes, the movement, the energy. It was a magical experience. '
Yvette Fielding, whose Stint ran from 1987 to 1992, the mail said on Sunday: 'How sad this is. Blue Peter was not only for children, it was made for the whole family to enjoy. The deceased Princess Diana told me that she likes to curl on the couch with Harry and Wills and see the show together. This applies to so many British families and it annoys and sad me to discover the fate of this beautiful show. Shame about the people who have made this terrible decision. '
Matt Baker, the anchor of the show between 1999 and 2007, added: 'We had the most incredible time.
Another insider revealed how employees were told to attend a meeting at the northern headquarters of the BBC in Salford this week, but has not received any hints about 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 was a deep bond with presenter John Noakes
It is understood that the editor, Ellen Evans, who has held the role since 2019, did not respond to questions from her staff. Above, the notorious Blue Peter Campfire incident from 1971
In 2012, Blue Peter moved to CBBC while all children's programs were placed on digital channels
'The best memories and the end of the most magical energy and spirit that are shared in the train throughout the country. I feel very happy that I have experienced and shared the feeling. '
The post on Sunday revealed for the first time the fear that the BBC was planning to take Blue Peter from TV screens in October 2023 after three presenters stopped in three years -although BBC bosses played the problems and stated that there were 'no plans' to drop the show.
At the time, insiders described it as a 'very unhappy, sinking ship'. There were also ensuring that viewing figures had plummeted when CBBC had difficulty matching the attraction of the internet and computer games. In 2017, one episode attracted an official rating of zero viewers.
In 2012, Blue Peter moved to CBBC while all children's programs were placed on digital channels.
The BBC refused to comment last night, but sources say that Blue Peter will be available to look at IPLayer.
