Blue Peter Moves Online After 66 Years Of Live Broadcasting

After 66 remarkable years on air, the beloved British children's television show Blue Peter has officially entered a new chapter as it moves away from live broadcasts to an online format, leaving many former presenters and fans in shock. The news was conveyed by former presenter Simon Thomas, who took to social media on March 22, 2025, to announce that the show’s last live presentation had occurred that day. He remarked, "Apparently (I had no idea) today is the last ever LIVE Blue Peter on television. The show isn’t finishing; there is apparently going to be a show online; just not live on the TV anymore."

This shift marks a significant change for a show that has been a staple of British childhoods since it first aired on October 16, 1958. In its heyday, Blue Peter was broadcast live three times a week on BBC One, making stars of presenters such as Peter Purves, Janet Ellis, and Peter Duncan. It has been characterized by its creative segments, engaging activities, and community involvement, which garnered a viewership that peaked at eight million. However, in recent years, viewership has dwindled significantly, raising concerns among insiders about its sustainability. In fact, there were reports of an episode in 2017 attracting zero viewers, illustrating the challenges faced in a digital age where children's attention is heavily diverted to online platforms and video games.

Despite the accolades, the announcement of the show's shift to pre-recorded formats has been met with considerable disappointment. Insiders indicated that this transition has been in the works for months, causing frustration among the crew, who were kept in the dark about the decision. According to a source from The Mail on Sunday, "Of course, this has been in the works for months. The big bosses all knew what was happening, and those they did tell were told to keep it quiet. It’s a huge shock, and a number of the crew still have no idea what’s going on."

Simon Thomas shared reflections on the show’s history, emphasizing the unique atmosphere of live television. He stated, "When I look back at those heady days on Blue Peter, I will be forever grateful for three things...There is nothing like live television, and I learnt so much during those years." Such sentiments have echoed through social media with fellow former presenters like Matt Baker and Ricky Boleto expressing disbelief over the show's abrupt transition. Baker remarked, "WHHHAATTT? Mate, we had the most incredible time! The best memories, and the end of the most magical energy and spirit to be shared across the Country at tea time."

Yvette Fielding, who became the youngest presenter on Blue Peter at just 18 in 1987, expressed deep sadness over the decision, articulating how the show offered a valuable, shared family experience that many cherished, including notable figures like Princess Diana. Fielding lamented, "How sad this is. Blue Peter wasn’t just for children; it was made for the whole family to enjoy. This is true of so many British families." Janet Ellis, who appeared on the show from 1983 to 1987, also voiced her regrets, saying, "I’m sad that the current presenters and any that follow won’t experience the thrill of doing the programme live." She added that the spontaneity of live television offered a shared privilege for viewers, making each episode an exciting collective experience.

The transition away from live broadcasts raises broader questions about the future of children's programming in the UK. With viewing habits changing rapidly, nostalgia for traditional programming comes into conflict with the realities of modern entertainment consumption. Zoe Salmon, who presented from 2004 to 2008, acknowledged this shift, noting that the move reflects changing audience preferences. She shared her own excitement about transitioning to new formats, stating, "I feel very fortunate to have landed my role on Blue Peter when our audience was in the millions."

As Blue Peter prepares to make its online debut, former staff and presenters grapple with the loss of live television. Richard Bacon, another former presenter, fondly reminisced about the live chaos that made the show so vibrant, saying, "Being live is what made it alive. The mistakes, the movement, the energy—it was a magical experience." He expressed a desire to preserve the essence of Blue Peter, even as it transitions into this new digital format.

Reflecting on six decades of memories, it appears that Blue Peter will forever hold a significant place in the hearts of its viewers. While the new model will not include live presentations, it promises to continue producing content that resonates with many, albeit in a different form. Former presenter Thomas ended his tribute by reaffirming a commitment to sharing memories from a cherished part of British culture: "For the avoidance of any doubt, Blue Peter isn’t finishing; it just won’t be live on the telly anymore." The future remains uncertain for this venerable institution, but the impact of its past will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of children’s television in the UK.