October 16th 2023.
Former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon celebrated the show's milestone 65th anniversary in a special way. Taking to social media, Bacon cheekily referenced the drug scandal that cost him his job on the iconic BBC show back in the 1990s.
Officially the longest-running children’s show on TV anywhere in the world, Blue Peter was initially a 15-minute programme scheduled to run for just six weeks when it first aired on October 16, 1958. As it hit what used to be considered retirement age, former editor-in-chief Richard Marson took to social media to pay tribute to the institution, praising it as a ‘television treasure that deserves to be nurtured and sustained for future generations’.
Richard Bacon, 47, then reposted the message and added his own, which began: ‘A very happy birthday Blue Peter. The most important stage of my career.’ He then poked fun at himself by adding: ‘Yes sure, I may not have lasted, you know, THAT long* But I love Blue Peter deeply.’
Bacon kicked his career up a notch aged just 21 thanks to Blue Peter in 1997, but was famously sacked only 18 months later. He became the first host on the show to have his contract terminated mid-season, after admitting to taking cocaine a week after the show’s wholesome 40th anniversary celebrations.
Reacting to Bacon's jokey admission, former boss Richard Marson responded supportively, writing of his tenure: ‘It was very good while it lasted! Proud to be the second Richard who loved the show and came a cropper, before moving on and never losing sight of the blessings of BP…’
Since his departure from Blue Peter, Bacon has gone on to host Good Morning Britain and BBC Radio Five Live.
However, just ahead of its milestone birthday, reports emerged that Blue Peter could be facing the axe after the departure of three hosts. Mwaka ‘Mwaksy‘ Mudenda, Richie Driss, and Adam Beales all left the show within 14 months of each other.
Platforms like YouTube Kids and computer games are stiff competition for the show, according to one source, who said: ‘It’s all a bit concerning. It used to be the case that when there was an outgoing presenter a new one would be lined up straight away to take over. It was like they were passing on the Blue Peter baton. But in recent years they’ve really struggled. The fact that they have yet to replace Mwaksy is very telling.’
However, a spokesperson for the show has robustly denied the rumours, insisting: ‘The future for Blue Peter is bright, there are categorically no plans to stop it. The programme continues to be enjoyed by audiences on the CBBC channel and iPlayer.’
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