BBC’s Blue Peter ends live episodes after 67 years

Blue Peter, the longest-running children’s show in the world, has recorded its final live episode as the show moves to a pre-recorded format, the BBC has confirmed.

The corporation said the magazine show, which first aired in 1958, had been a mix of live and pre-recorded shows for decades.

It has decided to put an end to its live episodes “as viewing habits change”.

Former presenters Simon Thomas and Richard Bacon expressed their disappointment at the news over the weekend, with the latter saying “being live is what made it alive”.

Thomas, now a Sky Sports presenter, posted on Instagram: “We probably didn’t realise it at the time, but we were working in the last years of the golden age of children’s TV, a time when children’s programmes filled the afternoons and Saturday mornings on BBC1 and ITV.

“An era when audiences were measured in the millions rather than the thousands.

“I don’t say golden in arrogant way; but everything has fragmented now and the way children consume entertainment has changed forever. There will never be another era like it again.”

Bacon responded saying he “loved” the long-running series and described it as “a big, well-made, lovingly made, really well resourced live kids TV show. That had been live in that building for decades”.

“It was a magical experience (for, you know, all of 20 months).”

The presenter was sacked from the show in the 1990s after admitting drug taking but returned for its 60th anniversary, receiving a famous Blue Peter badge.

Blue Peter, which features viewer and presenter challenges, interviews, pets and garden action, will continue to be filmed in Salford and broadcast on CBBC and BBC Two as well as on the iPlayer.

“The programme has been a mix of live and pre-recorded shows for decades and has transitioned to a pre-record model as viewing habits change,” said a spokesperson.

“Blue Peter continues to be loved by generations across the UK.

“As we continue to navigate a challenging market and young audience viewing habits evolve, it is necessary to make some changes to ensure that BBC Studios Kids and Family Productions delivers a dynamic, digital-first brand that will future-proof the show and sustain its legacy for years to come.”

The current presenting line-up includes Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney and Abby Cook.