Blue Peter is a popular children’s television programme originally produced by the BBC in 1958 for children from 5-8 years old. Whilst the format has changed through the years, Blue Peter has remained a popular series and is now produced by CBBC. The original producer, John Hunter Blair, thought up the name, Blue Peter and, due to the show’s popularity, Biddy Baxter (editor) ensured that much of the footage screened since 1964 remains in the BBC archives. In 2003 Richard Marson became the editor and introduced a different format with a combination of live shows and pre-recorded material. Whilst ratings dropped following a shift in programme scheduling in 2008, figures are improving and plans are afoot to re-invent Blue Peter yet again by adopting a similar model to that of Top Gear but for children. A number of features screened on Blue Peter have become things of television legend such as the one where Lulu the elephant was invited into the studio, defecated on the floor, went onto outwear her welcome by treading on John Noake’s (the presenter) foot before attempting an escape from her keeper who was subsequently pulled along behind her!

Release / Airing: 16/10/1958