Blue Peter, the world's longest-running children's television programme, has seen 44 presenters grace its studio since its debut in October 1958. Many of these hosts became recognizable figures from childhoods, and their careers have since taken a multitude of directions.
Konnie Huq, the 26th presenter, holds the record for the longest-serving female host, appearing from 1997 to 2008. Other memorable figures include Richard Bacon, Katy Hill, Mark Curry, Janet Ellis, and Simon Thomas. Their post-Blue Peter journeys range from continued careers in entertainment to entirely new professional endeavors.
Katy Hill, who joined Blue Peter in 1995, became known for her adventurous segments, earning a BAFTA. After leaving the show in 2001, she went on to host "Live & Kicking" and "Top Of The Pops." In 2017, Hill transitioned from broadcasting to become a certified success and confidence coach. She has spoken about past insecurities, including a producer's comment about her weight before her first episode, and the prevalence of eating disorders and drug use among some female television personalities at the time. Hill now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Richard Bacon's tenure on Blue Peter was cut short after 18 months when, at age 22 in 1997, he admitted to taking cocaine. He was dismissed after a tabloid revealed his drug use. Reflecting on the incident in 2022, Bacon discussed how it felt like an early instance of "cancel culture" and that a producer had told him he would "never work again." Despite this, he found ways to continue his career, joining "The Big Breakfast" in 1999 and later presenting shows like "Top of the Pops" and "This Morning." Bacon has suggested the scandal, while defining an early part of his public image, also helped him cope with later traumas.
Mark Curry, who hosted Blue Peter from 1986 to 1989, began his entertainment career at age seven. He also presented "The Saturday Picture Show" and the revived "Catchphrase." In 2008, Curry entered into a civil partnership with his long-term partner, Jeremy Sandle. He had previously expressed concerns that being openly gay might hinder his career during his time on the children's program.
Konnie Huq, a University of Cambridge economics graduate, became the longest-serving female presenter with her 11-year stint. During her time, she participated in significant international appeal work. After leaving in 2008, Huq has been involved in charity specials, authored children's books, and co-wrote a "Black Mirror" episode with her husband, Charlie Brooker. Huq also advocated for equal pay, initiating action when she discovered male co-hosts were earning more than her, successfully negotiating a salary increase and back payments with compound interest.
Janet Ellis, a fan favorite from 1983 to 1987 and mother of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, described her time on the show as a "huge and happy part of my life." After Blue Peter, she pursued acting, wrote novels, and engaged in charity work, also appearing on various discussion shows. Ellis was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her services to theater and charity.
Yvette Fielding joined Blue Peter at 17 in 1987. Post-show, she and her husband established a production company, becoming known for paranormal-themed shows like "Most Haunted." Fielding also co-owns a tea shop in Manchester and competed on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" in 2015.
Simon Thomas replaced Richard Bacon and hosted for six years. He moved on to Sky Sports News and later took a break in late 2017 to care for his son after his wife's death. Thomas returned to broadcasting and began presenting Sky Sports' "Soccer Saturday" in 2023.
Matt Baker, who presented from 1999 to 2006, won two BAFTAs for Best Children's Presenter. He later co-presented BBC's "Countryfile" from 2009 and "The One Show" from 2011 to 2020. Baker also participated in "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2010.
Zoe Salmon, a presenter from 2004 to 2008, abandoned a legal career after winning Miss Northern Ireland. She appeared on "Dancing on Ice" and various other television programs. Salmon married William Corrie in 2015.