BBC’s Blue Peter, the world’s longest-running children’s show, has bid farewell to its final live episode as it transitions to a pre-recorded format, according to the BBC. The magazine show, which first graced screens in 1958, has been a blend of live and pre-recorded episodes for many years. However, with changing viewing habits, the decision has been made to end the live aspect of the show.
Former hosts Simon Thomas and Richard Bacon shared their disappointment with the news, with Bacon noting that the live element was what brought the show to life. Thomas, who now works as a presenter for Sky Sports, reflected on what he called the “golden age” of children’s TV, reminiscing about the era when children’s programs dominated BBC1 and ITV on afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Despite the end of live episodes, Blue Peter will carry on with its mix of viewer challenges, interviews, pets, and gardening segments, continuing to be filmed in Salford and broadcast on CBBC and BBC Two, as well as the iPlayer. A spokesperson for the show emphasized the importance of adapting to changing viewing habits and ensuring the brand remains relevant and sustainable in the digital age. The current presenting team consists of Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney, and Abby Cook
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