History of Blue Peter Presenters

Since the first ever Blue Peter episode in 1958, there have been 43 Blue Peter presenters. Here's all you need to know about who they were, all their famous challenges and their most memorable moments on the show.

Without Christopher Trace there would be no Blue Peter – pure and simple! Kicking the show off in 1958 his authoritative personality helped to define the programme.

As one of the first Blue Peter presenters Chris is known for training the puppy Petra, running the Blue Peter railway and making the tinsel-tastic Christmas advent crown. He is also known for his trips to Basle, Nuremberg, Norway, Singapore and Borneo. 

Originally a beauty queen Leila had her heart set on an acting career. Leila and Chris quickly struck up a strong friendship.

Leila presented the very first Blue Peter and the first Blue Peter make.

Anita was only on the show for four months and then she then left Blue Peter to spend more time with her family. After Blue Peter she appeared in several films and tv shows over the years. 

Anita worked on the makes with TV artist Tony Hart, and appeared in the 40th year birthday programme.

Val's serious approach and her super-dooper skills helped with all of the Blue Peter makes, and was the perfect partner for John Noakes.

Val was part of the famous Lulu the elephant poo incident, where she politely stepped away while Lulu made a mess all over the floor of the studio. Oh and she also took a lion for a walk (and we're not even joking!)

John Noakes was the longest serving presenter of all, he was 33 when he ed and 44 when he left, nearly 13 years later.

Some examples of his most memorable moments are climbing HMS Ganges' mast, setting a record for the highest civilian free fall parachute jump, cleaning Nelson's column and his adorable relationship with Shep, the Blue Peter dog. Many John's catchphrase being "Get down, Shep!"

Peter looked after Petra, Blue Peter's first dog. He later said that announcing her death was one of the hardest things he ever had to do. 

He drove a car through the side of a furniture van and returned to the show in the year 2000 to open a time capsule he had buried on the show in 1971!

Lesley auditioned and got the job, without really knowing what Blue Peter was! She said, "Fortunately, I didn't know what I was in for, otherwise I don't think I would have done it!" 

Falling off a race horse and being hoisted up and down Bishop Rock light house. 

ing Simon on his first day was Goldie, a seven week old golden retriever puppy, chosen to replace Shep. Simon and Goldie were an instant hit with viewers who watched eagerly for reports of the dog's progress and the birth of her puppies. 

Simon took part in the Tower bridge death slide, impersonated his idol Elvis with a version of 'Heartbreak Hotel', and met the Tiger that came to tea with Tippi Hedren.

Chris had a list of talents to impress the Blue Peter team including, tennis, riding, swimming, rugby, long-distance and cross-country running, water skiing, sailing, and sub aqua. He also played chess, writes poetry, has learnt to sing, plays the guitar, trumpet, and piano! What a show off! 

Abseiling down East Tower at BBC Television Centre in London, and working as a steeplejack.

When Tina was pregnant viewers sent her lots of congratulations cards and letters, 43 pairs of bootees, 29 matinee jackets, 7 romper suits, 36 bibs, 10 shawls, and a rug. That's a lot of baby clothes! 

Tina had a live scan when pregnant with baby Jemma and went on trips to Egypt and Lake placid in the USA.

Sarah became Blue Peter’s 11th presenter in 1980. During her stint the production team focused on Sarah's acting ability and love of dres. She had a real flare for the dramatic, but still took on some incredible challenges. 

Some of her most memorable moments include diving to the wreck of the Mary Rose and helicopter abseiling.

Peter really loved taking part in the action films on the programme. Among his most famous feats was running the first London Marathon and completing the Royal Marines' Endurance Course. 

He was the first Blue Peter presenter to run the London Marathon, and he cleaned the face of Big Ben with no safety equipment!

During her time on the show Janet impressed fellow presenters with her ability to learn the scripts and cope with last-minute changes. But it was her pluck and courage during her free fall jumps with the RAF that Janet is best ed, especially when she returned to her training after injuring her pelvis. 

Her free fall parachute jumping and the Royal Marines mud run.

Michael found himself filling Peter Duncan's shoes, and was seen skiing and trampolining with the RAF. He is often described as one of the toughest presenters – never saying no to a challenge. 

Some of his most memorable moments include stunt horse riding, army gymnastics, and freestyle water-skiing.

Mark was a huge hit with the viewers. He was well known for dres and bursting into song and dance at any opportunity. Everyone loves a sing song! 

He faced his vertigo climbing up British Telecom telegraph poles, ed the stunt team and famously knocked the head off a life-sized lego man sculpture

Caron became the 16th Blue Peter presenter and during her time on the show, she proved she was game for anything. Amongst her more daring reports, she could be seen jumping under freezing waterfalls and abseiling down cliffs and skyscrapers. Impressive stuff!

While presenting Blue Peter Caron completed North sea survival training and dived with sharks.

At only 18 and a half, Yvette replaced Sarah Greene as the show's youngest presenter. In a matter of weeks, Yvette found herself in at the deep-end, training with the Moscow State Circus for an acrobatics display. She also found herself partnered with Bonnie the dog- the first time a female presenter was shown training a dog.

Painting Jodrell Bank Observatory, screaming throughout the white-knuckle ride at Blackpool and flying a helicopter.

John became Blue Peter's first Scottish presenter and also the tallest at 6'4". On 21st April 1991, John became the second Blue Peter presenter to take part in the London marathon. His final Blue Peter challenge involved him abseiling down the Television Centre, then completing a velcro and wheelbarrow obstacle course, followed by trampolining and conducting an orchestra in the studio - WOW! 

He is ed for Bridge Swinging, conducting an orchestra and running the London marathon. 

Diane made history by becoming Blue Peter’s first ever black presenter. During her time on the show she was equally adept at reporting on both the lighter and more serious subjects - one very moving and memorable report featured Diane in Auschwitz. 

While on Blue Peter Diane did some rally driving, devised The Well Water Appeal and took an icy dip in Norway.

Anthea holds an important spot in Blue Peter history as queen of the crafts and the presenter to make the iconic Thunderbirds Tracy Island.

Anthea was rescued from a ferris wheel and had a strong bond with Bonnie the dog. Bonny and Anthea starred together in Dog Agility at Olympia.

Tim became the 21st presenter to the show in 1993.During his time with the programme he flew a fighter jet, successfully completed the New York Marathon and travelled to South Africa. The viewers were obsessed with his hair! 

Tim did some motor racing at Silverstone, trained with the England Rugby team and helped paint the Blackpool Tower. Wow!

Stuart's natural ability in front of the camera made him an instant hit with viewers. One memorable episode saw him play Joseph in 1998's Blue Peter Pantomime "Back in Time for Christmas" a musical extravaganza featuring past presenters and a time machine - sounds...interesting!!!

Stuart parachuted with the RAF Falcons, completed the River Avon death slide and learned to talk 'chimp'.

Katy was an instant hit with the viewers, with her laid back attitude and friendly charm. During her time with the show she fulfilled her other ambition to ride at the Horse of the Year Show. She was not scared of a challenge which she proved when she ed the Cirque de Soleil team. 

Some of her most memorable moments include flying with the red arrows, being dunked in the underwater Royal Navy helicopter escape exercise and interviewing the Spice Girls.

Romana became the show's second Scottish presenter on 1st March 1996 and she soon became known for her love of dres.

Memorable moments: Tracing her roots in Edinburgh and Rome, rock climbing, and wing walking.

Richard became Blue Peter's 25th presenter and became the "little brother" of the group. He was cheeky and loved chatting with the crew.

Richard completed Officer Cadet training at Sandhurst and did some barefoot water skiing. Wow!

Konnie is the longest running female Blue Peter presenter, having presented the show for an impressive 11 years! Her cheeky qualities made her popular with the audience.

Konnie visited Bangladesh and spoke to of her extended family who she had not seen for many years. She also did some rally driving and power boat racing, and also manage to walk on hot coals. Ouch!

Simon applied for the job three times before becoming Blue Peter’s 27th presenter. Sporty and ambitious, he found himself put to the test in a series of physical challenges including running the London Marathon twice and completing over 40 solo sky dives with the Royal Air Force. 

Simon climbed mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Blanc, did some free fall parachuting and submarine escape training.

Matt had originally wanted to be a physiotherapist however his gymnastic background helped him in physical challenges, including training as a stuntman, and ing the recruitment courses for both the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment. He won two BAFTAs for Best Children's Presenter two years in a row and a Royal Television Society award. He has continued on to a successful presenting career. 

Matt achieved a world tandem hand gliding record, looked after boarder collie Meg and danced with the pop groups, Steps.

Liz reported from all over the world during her six years on the programme. She travelled to Vietnam, Morocco, Brazil, Austria, Greece, India and the US. Her challenges on the show included an inverted spin in a jet, lawn mower racing, paragliding, walking a circus high-wire and cleaning windows at London's Canary Wharf tower.

Memorable moments: She won a bronze medal in the two-woman Bob at the British Bobsleigh championships and tight rope walking.

Zoe ed the team during the 2004 Christmas special. Shortly after her debut, she famously said "I'd try anything once", which started a trend in her being asked to do dangerous or embarrassing things including wing-walking on top of an antique biplane and stamp collecting.

Zoe ran the London Marathon and ed the cast of Riverdance. She is also ed for her 'I'll try anything once' challenges.

The rugby loving Welshman became the 31st presenter to the BP family. Weightlifting, diving, and boxing were just some of the tough challenges he faced during the popular 'Have a go Geth' series.

Gethin is ed for the Royal Marines Commando Yomp, presenting Blue Peter in Welsh and playing a Dalek and Cyberman in Dr Who.

Chance has always played a part in becoming a Blue Peter presenter and in no case is that more true than Andy. Originally a runner for CBBC, he was spotted for his high energy and enthusiasm.

Helicopter bungee jumping and kissing a camel!

When it comes to challenges Helen was well and truly fearless! During her time she kayaked down the Amazon, completed the Namibian Ultra Marathon, and reached the South Pole on a bicycle!

Helen walked across a high wire between the chimneys of Battersea power station. She also moved the show from its original home in London to its new studio in Salford.

Joel went on a summer expedition to Turkey, he presented other CBBC shows and was certainly a joker, making the cast and crew laugh.

Joel learnt to fly a hang glider to attempt to fly alongside a peregrine falcon.

Barney was already a familiar face from his CBBC appearances in shows including Bear Behaving Badly and Totally Doctor Who. His popularity continued to grow on Blue Peter as he faced his fears and kissed a couple frogs along the way! 

Some of his most memorable moments include the Big Bike Challenge, his catch phrase "I want one" and car ballet!

Lindsey was only 22 years old when she was publicly chosen to become Blue Peter’s 36th presenter. This was the first time in BP history viewers have been asked to vote for their new presenter. The elements may have got in the way of some of her challenges but she battled the waves to the end in the wave runner challenge. 

Lindsey completed the wave runner challenge, went wing walking and met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Radzi’s up-beat and energetic presenting style has made him a popular presenter with the viewers. Facing all challenges with a smile and his signature happy dance, the 37th presenter has faced the largest man made climbing wall in the world, gymnastics and many other physical challenges.

Radzi did a freefall skydive challenge with the RAF Falcons and designed the 2018 Sport badge.

Richie is our lovable giant! Known for his love of pineapple on pizza and hatred of cheese (AND spiders) he's energetic, positive and known for making all the cast and crew smile 

Memorable moments: Richie sang a solo piece alongside The Kingdom Choir in his first-ever BP challenge. He's also driven supercars, bungee jumped for Sport Relief and got very muddy with Henry the dog inn the Muddy Dog challenge!

Mwaksy is a ray of sunshine! She's bright, optimistic and LOVES her grub. Mwaksy started her time on Blue Peter in the middle of the UK lockdown as a result of Coronavirus. Her first show was recorded from home. She made her debut in the studio live in September 2020. She loves singing and netball. She is originally from London, but has family in Zambia who she loves to visit.

Mwaksy broke a World Record on her very first show and solo skydived out of a plane on her very last show!

Adam is no stranger to the camera, having already had an online vlog and appearing on CBBC's The Dog Ate My Homework. Adam is from Northern Ireland where he lives with his Mum, Dad, younger brother and dog Bailey. He loves a good prank and enjoys video games and his beloved car!

Adam completed a mountain rescue drill for his first challenge and broke a World Record live on the show catching ping pong balls on his shaving-foam covered head!

Joel is from Northern Ireland and is Blue Peter's 41st presenter. Joel is our very own master magician, he amazes everyone with impressive tricks and illusions.

Joel faced the daring challenge of scaling a slate mine and camping on a wire, 500ft above the ground, all to face his own fears for 2023's Children in Need!

Abby is from Falkirk, Scotland and is the 42nd Blue Peter presenter. She's sporty, thrill-seeking and loves arts and crafts - is there anything she can't do? 🤔

Memorable moments: Abby faced on her fear of heights by abseiling down Millers Dale Viaduct in the Peak District National Park for her first EVER Blue Peter challenge.

Shini is the 43rd Blue Peter presenter! Shini is from Stafford and loves celebrating her Indian and Malaysian heritage by wearing all things cultural, including bangles and bindis. Shini loves adventures and sport, especially bton which she played for Staffordshire county!

Watch Shini, Joel and Abby on BBC iPlayer 💙