Here's some we watched earlier! Who's who of ex-Blue Peter hosts attend reunion to mark the iconic children's TV show's 60th Anniversary

  • TV show marks its 60th birthday with a big blue carpet reunion of former hosts
  • Ex-hosts Richard Bacon, Anthea Turner and Valerie singleton were all there  
  • Janet Ellis says she 'got away with loads' in her private life during stint on show

A who's who of former Blue Peter presenters were among those to appear on a 60th anniversary episode of the show.

Some of the ex-hosts who were returning to their former TV home yesterday were Peter Purves, Anthea Turner and Valerie Singleton.

Among the other blasts from the past to join the party was Richard Bacon, who was kicked off the BBC show in 1998 after he admitted taking cocaine, plus John Leslie Sarah Greene and Peter Purves. 

The Blue Peter presenters who came together for the 60th anniversary of the show. Number 1, Barney Harwood, 2011-2017. Number 2,  Zoe Salmon, 2004-2008. Number 3, Konnie Huq, 1997-2008. Number 4, Stuart Miles, 1994-1999. Number 5, Lesley Judd, 1972-1979. Number 6, Tim Vincent, 1993-1997. Number 7, Sarah Greene, 1980-1983. Number 8, Romana D'Annunzio, 1996-1998. Number 9, Janet Ellis, 1982-1987. Number 10, Richard Bacon, 1997-1998. Number 11, Valerie Singleton, 1962-1972. Number 12, Peter Purves, 1967-1978. Number 13, Leila Williams, 1967-1978. Number 14, Simon Thomas, 1999-2005. Number 15, Radzi Chinyanganya, 2013-present. Number 16, Lindsey Russell, 2013-present. Number 17, Peter Duncan, 1985-1986. Number 18, John Leslie, 1989-1994. Number 19, Anthea Turner, 1992-1994. Number 20, Liz Barker, 2000-2006, Number 21, Diane-Louise Jordan, 1990-1996. Number 22, Joel Defries, 2008-2010. Number 23, Yvette Fielding, 1987-1992. Number 24, Ayo Akinwolere, 2006-2011. Number 25, Katy Hill, 1995-2000. Number 26, Anita West, 1961. Number 27, Helen Skelton

The Blue Peter presenters who came together for the 60th anniversary of the show. Number 1, Barney Harwood, 2011-2017. Number 2,  Zoe Salmon, 2004-2008. Number 3, Konnie Huq, 1997-2008. Number 4, Stuart Miles, 1994-1999. Number 5, Lesley Judd, 1972-1979. Number 6, Tim Vincent, 1993-1997. Number 7, Sarah Greene, 1980-1983. Number 8, Romana D'Annunzio, 1996-1998. Number 9, Janet Ellis, 1982-1987. Number 10, Richard Bacon, 1997-1998. Number 11, Valerie Singleton, 1962-1972. Number 12, Peter Purves, 1967-1978. Number 13, Leila Williams, 1967-1978. Number 14, Simon Thomas, 1999-2005. Number 15, Radzi Chinyanganya, 2013-present. Number 16, Lindsey Russell, 2013-present. Number 17, Peter Duncan, 1985-1986. Number 18, John Leslie, 1989-1994. Number 19, Anthea Turner, 1992-1994. Number 20, Liz Barker, 2000-2006, Number 21, Diane-Louise Jordan, 1990-1996. Number 22, Joel Defries, 2008-2010. Number 23, Yvette Fielding, 1987-1992. Number 24, Ayo Akinwolere, 2006-2011. Number 25, Katy Hill, 1995-2000. Number 26, Anita West, 1961. Number 27, Helen Skelton

Anthea Turner was one of the former presenters to attend the birthday party
Anthea Turner is pictured during her time on Blue Peter

Anthea Turner, who presented the show between 1992 until 1994, attended the birthday party. She is pictured right during her time on the show and left at the anniversary episode 

Barney Harwood, a presenter between 2011 and 2017
Barney Harwood and Helen Skelton

Barney Harwood, a presenter between 2011 and 2017, is pictured yesterday (left) and with Helen Skelton while on the show (right)

Zoe Salmon
Zoe Salmon, a host between 2004 and 2008

Zoe Salmon, a host between 2004 and 2008 (right), attends the birthday bash yesterday (left)

But Richard took to Twitter earlier yesterday to show their was no hard feelings about his exit from the show when he fondly remembered his time on it.

He said: 'I can never hold down a job for long. I've hosted a lot of shows in a lot of places. And yet the one I have the most affection for is the one I got fired from. Happy Birthday Blue Peter. I love you.'

Purves, who presented Blue Peter for 11 years between 1967 and 1978, said before the bash that has never grown tired of being asked about the show.

He told the Press Association earlier: 'I don't regret any of that - people say you must get fed up with talking about Blue Peter - I never get fed up. It was a great time in my life, I enjoyed the work, it was wonderful work, it was the best job in television.

Stuart Miles, pictured
Stuart Miles presented Blue Peter between 1994 and 1999

Stuart Miles, pictured yesterday (left), presented Blue Peter between 1994 and 1999 (right)

Lesley Judd, pictured at the event
Lesley Judd, who presented the show in the 1970s

Lesley Judd, pictured yesterday (left), and while presenting the show in the 1970s (right)

Tim Vincent
Tim Vincent

Tim Vincent was on Blue Peter from 1993 to 1997 (right), and appeared at the birthday (left)

Romana D'Annunzio at the birthday party
Romana D'Annunzio, who presented Blue Peter from 1996 to 1998

Romana D'Annunzio, who presented Blue Peter from 1996 to 1998 (right), was at yesterday's reunion (left)

Konnie Huq
Konnie Huq

Konnie Huq was the longest-serving female presenter of Blue Peter - presenting it from December 1, 1997 until January, 23 2008. She is pictured arriving at the bash (left) and right during her time on the show

Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan
Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan

Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan (left) at the reunion and right when they were presenting the show

'We travelled the world, we were dealing with different subjects in every programme - two programmes a week, 80 odd a year. So it was a fabulous job. I don't regret a single second of it.'

Janet Ellis, who presented the show between 1983 and 1987, was letting her hair down at the reunion. 

Ellis, who became the first civilian woman in Europe to free fall from 20,000 feet during her stint on the show, says she 'got away with loads' in her private life when she was Blue Peter presenter.

She told Good Morning Britain it is much tougher for TV hosts to keep shtum about their private lives yesterday.

Leila Williams
Leila Williams presented Blue Peter from 1967 to 1978

Leila Williams (left, yesterday) presented Blue Peter from 1967 to 1978 (right)

Former presenter Katy Hill is pictured at the 60th anniversary celebration
Then and now: Katy Hill is pictured on Blue Peter

Katy Hill (pictured left this week and right during her time on the show) was another one of the former presenters to take part in the 60th anniversary 

Then and now: Former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton is pictured at the event and on the show
Helen Skelton is pictured during her time on Blue Peter

Then and now: Former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton is pictured at the event and on the show 

Simon Thomas
Simon Thomas

Simon Thomas was on Blue Peter from 1999 2005 (right), and was at the event yesterday (left)

'We were at a time when it wasn't an age of social media. Our private lives were allowed to be much more private,' she said. 

Ellis, who is the mother of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 39, joined Blue Peter when it had an audience approaching eight million.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday's Event magazine on September 23, Ellis told how she 'became friends with everybody I worked with'

She was especially close to Caron Keating, presenter Gloria Hunniford's daughter, who joined the show from 1986 to 1990, but died of breast cancer in 1997 aged 41.

Responding to claims that Blue Peter is too middle class, she said: 'I am a middle-class person but I don't think it's a middle-class programme.

Lesley Judd, who appeared on Blue Peter from 1972 to 1979, also walked down the blue carpet. 

Valerie Singleton who accompanied Princess Anne on her first solo trip overseas in a Kenyan Royal Safari in 1971 for a segment on the show. She is pictured presenting the show right   
Valerie Singleton

Valerie Singleton accompanied Princess Anne on her first solo trip overseas in a Kenyan Royal Safari in 1971 for a segment on the show. She is pictured presenting the show right   

Radzi Chinyanganya
Radzi Chinyanganya, a Blue Peter presenter from 2013 to present

Radzi Chinyanganya, a Blue Peter presenter from 2013 to present, is pictured yesterday (left)

Lindsay Russell
Lindsay Russell, a Blue Peter presenter from 2013 to present

Lindsay Russell, a Blue Peter presenter from 2013 to present, is pictured yesterday (left)

Liz Barker at BBC Studios
Liz Barker, a presenter between 2000 and 2006

Liz Barker, a presenter between 2000 and 2006, was at yesterday's event

Diane-Louise Jordan, at the birthday
Diane-Louise Jordan was on Blue Peter from 1990 to 1996

Diane-Louise Jordan (left, at yesterday's birthday) was on Blue Peter from 1990 to 1996 (right)

Anita West
Anita West

Anita West (left, pictured yesterday), who had a brief stint as Blue Peter presenter in 1961

Ayo Akinwolere presented Blue Peter from 2006 to 2011
Ayo Akinwolere, previously known as Andy

Ayo Akinwolere, previously known as Andy, presented Blue Peter from 2006 to 2011

Yvette Fielding, seen at the party
Yvette Fielding, who presented Blue Peter from 1987 to 1992

Yvette Fielding (left, seen yesterday), who presented Blue Peter from 1987 to 1992 (right)

She revealed her favourite memory was a not a moment from the show but the time the cast marked its 50th anniversary with a trip to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen.

And Judd - who said she does not own a single Blue Peter badge - revealed she is starting a campaign to get her and her fellow presenters gold badges, which were handed out to those appearing on the show.

She said: 'I have got to get a gold badge. There are one or two of us who have not got gold badges and we're starting a campaign to get them.'

Ex-presenter Konnie Huq told Good Morning Britain: 'When you get interviewed, they do the, 'Do you have any skeletons in your closet?' But luckily I don't.'

Purves said of the show: 'It means everything to me. It was an iconic programme. It was a fundamental part of all our lives.'

Joel Defries was at the event
Joel Defries who presented Blue Peter from 2008 to 2010

Joel Defries, who presented Blue Peter from 2008 to 2010, was at the event yesterday (left)

Peter Purves was all smiles at the 60th birthday bash. He was on Blue Peter in the 1970s (right)
Peter Purves

Peter Purves was all smiles at the 60th birthday bash. He was on Blue Peter in the 1970s (right)

Richard Bacon
Richard Bacon

Richard Bacon was kicked off the BBC show in 1998 after he admitted taking cocaine

Former presenters come together: Anthea Turner, John Leslie, Diane-Louise Jordan, Tim Vincent, Katie Hill and Richard Bacon 

Former presenters come together: Anthea Turner, John Leslie, Diane-Louise Jordan, Tim Vincent, Katie Hill and Richard Bacon 

Janet Ellis, who presented the show between 1983 and 1987, and Yvette Fielding were also letting their hair down at the reunion

Former presenters who came together for the reunion show. Blue Peter is now the longest-running children's TV show in the world

Former presenters who came together for the reunion show. Blue Peter is now the longest-running children's TV show in the world

Ellis (centre) with fellow former Blue Peter hosts Peter Purves (left) and Konnie Huq (right) on ITV's Good Morning Britain yesterday as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the show

Ellis (centre) with fellow former Blue Peter hosts Peter Purves (left) and Konnie Huq (right) on ITV's Good Morning Britain yesterday as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the show

Ellis, pictured with Bonnie the dog 22 years ago, presented Blue Peter for four years from 1983 

This graphic shows where Ellis fitted into the Blue Peter presenting line-up in the 1980s

This graphic shows where Ellis fitted into the Blue Peter presenting line-up in the 1980s

Janet Ellis arriving at the bash
Janet Ellis during her time as a presenter of the show

Janet Ellis, who presented the show between 1983 and 1987, was also letting her hair down at the reunion. On the right she is sporting spandex during her stint as a presenter

John Leslie
John Leslie

John Leslie was  Blue Peter's first Scottish presenter. He was the second Blue Peter presenter to take part in the London Marathon, and he finished the event in four hours, thirty-six minutes.

Anthea Turner, Lindsey Russell, Ellis, Peter Purves, Valerie Singleton, Leila Williams, Peter Duncan, Konnie Huq, Helen Skelton and Radzi Chinyanganya have returned for the anniversary

Anthea Turner, Lindsey Russell, Ellis, Peter Purves, Valerie Singleton, Leila Williams, Peter Duncan, Konnie Huq, Helen Skelton and Radzi Chinyanganya have returned for the anniversary

Richard Bacon reveals his RETURN to Blue Peter for 60th anniversary show... 20 years after he was sacked for snorting cocaine 

By EVE BUCKLAND FOR MAILONLINE

He was famously sacked from Blue Peter in 1998 after he admitted snorting cocaine in a nightclub.

And Richard Bacon proved there is no ill will between him and the iconic children's show as he revealed he will return to the TV programme for its 60th anniversary special on Tuesday.

The presenter, 42,  took to Twitter to announce his return on Sunday, before posting a gushing tribute to Blue Peter two days later.   

Comeback: Richard Bacon proved there is no ill will between him and Blue Peter as he revealed he will return to the TV programme for its 60th anniversary special on Tuesday, 20 years after his sacking for taking cocaine

Comeback: Richard Bacon proved there is no ill will between him and Blue Peter as he revealed he will return to the TV programme for its 60th anniversary special on Tuesday, 20 years after his sacking for taking cocaine

Over and out: Richard was just 18 months into his dream job at Blue Peter when he was fired at the age of 22 after admitting he took cocaine in a London nightclub (pictured in 1997)

Over and out: Richard was just 18 months into his dream job at Blue Peter when he was fired at the age of 22 after admitting he took cocaine in a London nightclub (pictured in 1997)

He wrote: 'And on Tuesday, in a day they (and I) said would never come, I'll be back on Blue Peter. 

The star then made light of his shock sacking in a further social media message, writing:'I can never hold down a job for long. I've hosted a lot of shows in a lot of places. And yet the one I have the most affection for is the one I got fired from. Happy Birthday Blue Peter. I love you.'   

Richard was just 18 months into his dream job at Blue Peter when he was fired at the age of 22 after admitting he took cocaine in a London nightclub.

 At the time the BBC issued a statement from Lorraine Heggessey, head of children's programmes, which said: 'It is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down the millions of children who watch Blue Peter.'

Here he is: The presenter, 42, took to Twitter to announce his return on Sunday, before posting a gushing tribute to Blue Peter two days later

Here he is: The presenter, 42, took to Twitter to announce his return on Sunday, before posting a gushing tribute to Blue Peter two days later

Tribute: The star then made light of his shock sacking in a further social media message

Tribute: The star then made light of his shock sacking in a further social media message

A producer told Bacon him he would never work in television again.

More than two decades on, Bacon's career has seen him present multiple television programmes for the Corporation, as well as for Channel 4 and ITV.

He now lives in LA and fronts a successful daily news show 'The 30'.

Richard has been married to Rebecca McFarlane since 2008, with the couple parents to son Arthur, six and daughter Ivy, three. 

Bounced back: More than two decades on, Bacon's career has seen him present multiple television programmes for the Corporation, as well as for Channel 4 and ITV. He now lives in LA and fronts a successful daily news show 'The 30'

Bounced back: More than two decades on, Bacon's career has seen him present multiple television programmes for the Corporation, as well as for Channel 4 and ITV. He now lives in LA and fronts a successful daily news show 'The 30'

'Blue Peter' is the longest-running children's TV programme in the world after airing for continuous seasons since it was first broadcast in 1958.

Several former presenters have paid tribute to the show on its 60th birthday today, including Katy Hill, who said she is 'forever grateful' to the long-running programme.

She wrote: 'HAPPY 60 BLUE PETER! 24 years ago, I landed the best job on the planet! 6 years of incredible adventures, extreme challenges and drawing attention to the things that mattered became a life-changing experience and I'll be forever grateful for it! #BluePeter60 #BluePeter (sic)'

Not to be: At the time of Richard's sacking the  BBC issued a statement which said: 'It is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down the millions of children who watch Blue Peter'

Not to be: At the time of Richard's sacking the  BBC issued a statement which said: 'It is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down the millions of children who watch Blue Peter'

Line-up: Several former presenters have paid tribute to the show on its 60th birthday today, including Katy Hill, (middle) who said she is 'forever grateful' to the long-running programme

Line-up: Several former presenters have paid tribute to the show on its 60th birthday today, including Katy Hill, (middle) who said she is 'forever grateful' to the long-running programme

Peter Duncan - who co-hosted the show for two stints in the 1980s - wrote: 'what a laugh it was in the 80's with @RealSarahGreene @missjanetellis #CBBC #BluePeter60 (sic)' 

Richard famously spent 12 days in intensive care and nine in a medically-induced coma in July after a virus 'exploded' in his lungs during a flight from the United States.

He was initially incorrectly diagnosed with serious pneumonia across both lungs.

After the star failed to respond to treatment doctors were forced to take emergency action and place him in a coma.

Last month Richard revealed how doctors expected him to die from a lung infection as he recalled the moment his wife told him to 'stay away from the white light'.

Fan favourite: Peter Duncan - who co-hosted the show for two stints in the 1980s - wrote: 'what a laugh it was in the 80's with @RealSarahGreene @missjanetellis #CBBC #BluePeter60 (sic)

Fan favourite: Peter Duncan - who co-hosted the show for two stints in the 1980s - wrote: 'what a laugh it was in the 80's with @RealSarahGreene @missjanetellis #CBBC #BluePeter60 (sic)

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Sixty years of sending Blue Peter fans barking: The cuddly canines that became household favourites on our TV screens including Shep, Meg and Mable as hit children's programme celebrates broadcasting since 1958

By FAITH RIDLER FOR MAILONLINE 

Never-before-seen pictures of Blue Peter's four-legged friends have been released to celebrate the show's 60th birthday.

The collection, released by BBC History, acknowledges the milestone anniversary of what is now the longest-running children's television show by taking its viewers back in time.

Blue Peter famously has a selection of pets who regularly appear on the show - including cats, dogs, horses, parrots, and even tortoises.

This has been the case since the 1960s when the very first Blue Peter pet, Petra, a mongrel, was adopted by the show.

Peter Purves and Petra, the first Blue Peter dog and pet photographed in 1977. Petra spent 15 years on the show, having joined in 1962

Peter Purves and Petra, the first Blue Peter dog and pet photographed in 1977. Petra spent 15 years on the show, having joined in 1962

Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom holds Blue Peter pet Goldie as he announces his engagement to Ann Costelloe, who was not a presenter, on the set of the show in 1979

Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom holds Blue Peter pet Goldie as he announces his engagement to Ann Costelloe, who was not a presenter, on the set of the show in 1979

She first appeared on Blue Peter in 1962, when its very first presenter Christopher Trace fronted the show alongside Valerie Singleton.

Petra, who was looked after by Trace, appeared as a regular for 15 years, and remained the longest serving animal companion until 2011.

There is even a bronze bust of the beloved canine, crafted by William Timym, outside the Blue Peter studios in Salford.

Petra gave birth to the second Blue Peter pet, Patch, in 1965. The pup was looked after by presenter John Noakes, until the pooch's death in 1971. 

Blue Peter then introduced Shep to its studios, arguably the most beloved of the brood to date. 

The Border Collie was the long-time companion of Noakes following the death of Patch, and the pair were inseparable.

Valerie Singleton and Christopher Trace rehearsing for an episode of Blue Peter with six labrador puppies at the Lime Grove studios in Shepherd's Bush, London in 1965

Valerie Singleton and Christopher Trace rehearsing for an episode of Blue Peter with six labrador puppies at the Lime Grove studios in Shepherd's Bush, London in 1965

Peter Purves, Lesley Judd, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes, who are among Blue Peter's 10 longest-serving presenters, with Petra (left, with Purves) Jason (centre with Judd) and Shep (right with Noakes) in 1972

Peter Purves, Lesley Judd, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes, who are among Blue Peter's 10 longest-serving presenters, with Petra (left, with Purves) Jason (centre with Judd) and Shep (right with Noakes) in 1972

Shep even lived with Noakes rather than with pet keeper Edith Menezes as the show's animals typically did. 

The excitable dog even coined Noakes a catchphrase, 'get down, Shep,' which inspired its very own tribute song by a band called the Barron Knights, the BBC said

John Noakes, Valerie Singleton, Peter Purves with pets  Jason,  Shep and Petra in 1971

John Noakes, Valerie Singleton, Peter Purves with pets Jason, Shep and Petra in 1971

Golden Retriever Goldie joined Blue Peter as a puppy in 1978, alongside new presenter Simon Groom. As became tradition, her name was chosen by viewers.

Goldie was the first in a long line of Golden Retrievers to appear on the show, including one of her puppies, Bonnie, who joined in 1986.

The new mother left the show shortly after giving birth, and went to live with Groom on his Derbyshire farm.

Bonnie then took up the mantle - and appeared with 16 different presenters on 1,150 editions of Blue Peter.

The show's second Border Collie, Mabel, joined the show when she was just six months old in 1996, after being rescued by the RSPCA in south London.

She became the longest serving pet since Petra, and was recognisable for having heterochromatic eyes (one blue and one brown) and distinctive ears.

Mabel frequented the show alongside Lucy, a pedigree Golden Retriever who joined in 1998.

Both Mabel and Lucy passed away within a month of each other in 2011, having served on the show for 14 and 12 years respectively.

Blast from the past: Peter Purves, Lesley Judd, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes presenting the show in 1972. They are among Blue Peter's 10 longest-serving presenters

Blast from the past: Peter Purves, Lesley Judd, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes presenting the show in 1972. They are among Blue Peter's 10 longest-serving presenters

From left, Peter Purves, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes  in the Blue Peter studio with a young African boy on December 30 1971

From left, Peter Purves, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes in the Blue Peter studio with a young African boy on December 30 1971

Mark Curry, the late Caron Keating, daughter of Gloria Hunniford, and Yvette Fielding in 1999 with Bonnie - a Golden Retriever who appeared on Blue Peter for 13 years

Mark Curry, the late Caron Keating, daughter of Gloria Hunniford, and Yvette Fielding in 1999 with Bonnie - a Golden Retriever who appeared on Blue Peter for 13 years

Romana D'Annunzio, Stuart Miles and Katy Hill with Blue Peter dogs Bonnie and Mabel in 1997. The latter joined the show the previous year

Romana D'Annunzio, Stuart Miles and Katy Hill with Blue Peter dogs Bonnie and Mabel in 1997. The latter joined the show the previous year

Valerie Singleton and Christopher Trace rehearsing for an episode of Blue Peter with six labrador puppies at the Lime Grove studios in Shepherd's Bush, London on March 13, 1965

Valerie Singleton and Christopher Trace rehearsing for an episode of Blue Peter with six labrador puppies at the Lime Grove studios in Shepherd's Bush, London on March 13, 1965

Meg was a Border Collie belonging to Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker who, though not considered an official pet from the show, often made appearances. 

The trained sheepdog lived on Baker's farm in County Durham, and since leaving the show with the presenter in 2006, appeared on Countryfile and the BBC's 2007 coverage of Crufts.

Three years later, Irish Setter Dachshund mix Barney was introduced to Blue Peter. Barney was the show's ninth dog - a former stray given to Helen Skelton by the Dogs Trust.

The playful pup was said to receive just as much fan mail as Skelton, and he left the show with his owner in 2013.

Simon Groom, after a 13 seconds, 450 ft swoop down a 'death slide' at Tower Bridge on November 10 1978

Simon Groom, after a 13 seconds, 450 ft swoop down a 'death slide' at Tower Bridge on November 10 1978

Lesley Judd, who is one of Blue Peter's 10 longest-serving presenters, holding two adorable kittens on the show on February 2 1976

Lesley Judd, who is one of Blue Peter's 10 longest-serving presenters, holding two adorable kittens on the show on February 2 1976

Helen Skelton and the new Blue Peter dog, Barney, in 2009
Janet Ellis with Bonnie at just two months old

Helen Skelton and the new Blue Peter dog, Barney, in 2009 (left) and Janet Ellis with Bonnie (right) at just two months old

Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill with Border Collie Mabel, who was rescued by the RSPCA in south London just before Christmas in 1996

Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill with Border Collie Mabel, who was rescued by the RSPCA in south London just before Christmas in 1996

Blue Peter celebrates its 60th birthday with a live one-hour special tonight on CBBC at 5pm, with many of its past presenters expected to attend

Blue Peter celebrates its 60th birthday with a live one-hour special tonight on CBBC at 5pm, with many of its past presenters expected to attend

The latest of the brood is Iggy, a Guide Dog puppy who was helped on her journey to qualify as a guide by presenter Lindsey Russell.

Iggy successfully completed her guide dog training and left the show in May 2016.

Blue Peter's falling viewing figures 

Blue Peter was once Britain's most successful children's magazine show, broadcasting to well over 1.5million on average each day.

But the show's popularity has recently declined.

Average viewing figures: 

2002 - 1,460,000 

2004 - 1,310,000 

2006 - 940,000 

2008 - 580,000 

2010 - 440,000 

Source: BBC 

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Blue Peter celebrates its 60th birthday with a live one-hour special tonight on CBBC at 5pm.

Many of the 33 presenters who are still living are expected to appear, including John Leslie and Richard Bacon, the Mirror reported

Britain's flagship children's show first aired in 1958 for 15 minutes once a week on Mondays, on what was then the BBC Television Service.

But with its popularity, it grew to two shows a week, both for 25 minutes on Mondays and Thursdays.   

This was the case from 1964 until 1995, when a third show was added, broadcasting on BBC One on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  

Blue Peter was reaching upwards of 1,520,000 people on average in 2003, but just three years later this had dropped significantly to 940,000, the BBC reported.

The programming was thus reduced, dropping the Friday show entirely, and instead broadcasting on Tuesday and Thursday.

It went through further schedule changes on BBC One until 2012, when it was announced the show would find a new home on children's channel CBBC, and broadcast just once a week at 5.45pm on Thursdays. It has since moved 15 minutes earlier. 

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