Blue Peter, the world's longest-running children's television program, has seen 44 presenters since its inception in October 1958. Many of these personalities became recognizable figures from childhoods, with their careers taking varied directions after their time on the show.
Konnie Huq, the 26th presenter, holds the record for the longest-serving female host, appearing from 1997 to 2008. Other notable former hosts include Richard Bacon, Katy Hill, Mark Curry, Janet Ellis, and Simon Thomas, whose post-Blue Peter lives range from continued success in entertainment to entirely new career paths.
Katy Hill, who joined Blue Peter in 1995, became known for her adventurous segments and won a BAFTA. After leaving the show in 2001, she went on to present other children's programs and radio shows. In 2017, Hill transitioned from broadcasting to become a certified success and confidence coach, pursuing a career focused on empowering others. She has spoken about the insecurities she faced during her time on Blue Peter, including a producer's comment about her weight, and the prevalence of eating disorders and drug use among some female television personalities at the time. Hill also recounted an experience where a magazine altered her appearance significantly for a photoshoot.
Richard Bacon's tenure on Blue Peter was cut short when he was dismissed at age 22 in 1997 after admitting to cocaine use. Reflecting on the incident in 2022 on his show "Cancelled," Bacon noted that while such an event might be met with more empathy today, it felt like being "cancelled" at the time. He has since stated that he believes this early career setback helped him cope with later life traumas. Despite the scandal, Bacon continued a successful broadcasting career, hosting shows like "The Big Breakfast," "Top of the Pops," and ITV's "This Morning" summer editions. He has often remarked that even significant future achievements would likely be overshadowed in his obituary by his dismissal from Blue Peter.
Mark Curry began his entertainment career at a young age and pivoted to presenting after earlier roles. He hosted "Get Set For Summer" and "The Saturday Picture Show" before joining Blue Peter in 1986, remaining for three years. He also presented the final series of the quiz show "Catchphrase." In 2008, Curry entered into a civil partnership with his long-term partner, Jeremy Sandle.
Konnie Huq, an economics graduate from the University of Cambridge, is Blue Peter's longest-serving female presenter. Her 11-year stint from 1997 to 2008 included significant international reporting and charity work. She set a Guinness World Record for pinning badges on a co-presenter in under a minute. After leaving the show, Huq authored a children's book, hosted "The Xtra Factor," and became an established screenwriter, co-writing a "Black Mirror" episode with her husband, Charlie Brooker. Huq famously "kicked off" upon discovering male co-hosts were earning more than her, successfully negotiating for equal pay and back payments with compound interest. In 2017, she was voted the nation's favorite Blue Peter presenter.
Janet Ellis, mother of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, was a popular presenter from 1983 to 1987. She described her time on the show as a significant and happy period, fostering a sense of community with viewers. Ellis continued her career as an actress and writer, also engaging in charity work and presenting lifestyle programs. She has published two novels and was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her services to theater and charity.
Yvette Fielding joined Blue Peter at 17 in 1987. After leaving, she and her husband, Karl Beattie, established a production company and produced paranormal shows, with Fielding also presenting several series on the subject. She co-owns a tea shop in Manchester and participated in "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" in 2015.
Simon Thomas, who replaced Richard Bacon, also presented CBBC Proms in the Park during his six years on Blue Peter. He later moved to Sky Sports, covering major events, and now presents their Football League coverage. Following the tragic death of his wife in late 2017, Thomas took a career break to care for his son before returning to broadcasting and taking over "Soccer Saturday" in 2023.
Matt Baker, a two-time BAFTA winner for Best Children's Presenter during his seven years on Blue Peter (1999-2006), transitioned to co-presenting BBC's "Countryfile" in 2009 and "The One Show" from 2011 to 2020. He was also a runner-up on "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2010.
Zoe Salmon, a presenter from 2004 to 2008, pursued a legal career before joining the show. After leaving, she appeared on "Dancing on Ice" and has had roles in other television programs, though her main presenting career has since cooled.