BBC ANNOUNCES 'NEW LOOK' BLUE PETER TO LAUNCH THIS AUTUMN

BBC Children and Education's iconic show, Blue Peter, will unveil a new look and refreshed format starting with a new location in Manchester city centre marking an exciting new chapter for the beloved show.

As one of the world’s longest-running children’s TV shows, Blue Peter has evolved for over 67 years, adapting to meet the needs and interests of its audience while staying true to its core. Starting in September this year, Blue Peter will reveal a new look and format that aims to appeal to existing and new audiences.

Young viewers are set to enjoy the new creative studio space and digital-first magazine format, recorded in Campfield Facilities at Versa Studios in Manchester. Blue Peter will continue to invite children into the creative studio to experience the how the show is made and to bring their energy and excitement as the action happens. Spontaneous moments and unscripted surprises will remain key parts of the show.

Over the decades, Blue Peter has continuously evolved for different generations of children across multiple platforms, maintaining a strong connection with its audience through the iconic Blue Peter badges, exciting challenges, memorable competitions, heartwarming moments, lovable pets, and DIY crafts and bakes with presenters coining the famous catchphrase “here’s one I made earlier!”

The upcoming format refresh and new studio will maintain all those core elements, cementing the show’s legendary status, while providing audiences with a dynamic, interactive, and engaging viewing experience. Blue Peter has always been an interactive show, and will continue to encourage kids to submit their own ideas and artwork, participate in competitions, and enjoy adventures with their favourite presenters.

The Blue Peter Garden will remain at Media City, as well as the garden at RHS Bridgewater, both of which will continue to be used for filming. The production team and post-production remains at Media City in Salford, the home of BBC Children’s and Education. The refresh comes after a tender process to produce the flagship series with a brief to build on the strengths of the Blue Peter brand and create a more digitally focused show. The tender was retained by BBC Studios.

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning +7, BBC Children’s and Education, says: “Blue Peter is such an iconic part of children's television, and we’re evolving the show with innovative ways that will be really exciting for our young audience. The move to the new studio will provide a variety of creative locations and visual options that a whole new generation of viewers will love. Whether through interactive social media moments, global adventures, or on-demand content. We’re proud to continue the legacy of a show that has inspired generations, and we can’t wait to show audiences our new look in September.”

Blue Peter badges continue to captivate thousands of children each week, who reach out to the show inspired by what they see on CBBC and BBC Two. The updated format and innovative creative studio will also appeal to audiences watching on BBC iPlayer, allowing kids to enjoy their favourite episodes anytime, anywhere.

Ellen Evans, Editor of Blue Peter, says: “As the longest-running children’s TV show in the world, Blue Peter holds a unique place in the hearts of multiple generations. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to encourage and inspire children to be curious, adventurous, and imaginative. Kids, celebrities, parents, and grandparents know what the Blue Peter badge means; that you have tried your best, done something to be proud of, made something, most importantly, you have earned it.”

Blue Peter’s presenters will continue to take young audiences on exciting adventures. Recent highlights include Shini Muthukrishnan’s exploration of India in search of tigers, Abby Cook smashing a world record for Red Nose Day, and Joel Mawhinney’s visit to Tokyo, to explore the world of Pokémon, sumo wrestling, and robot cafés. These exciting journeys provide an ever-expanding world of exploration and discovery for Blue Peter fans.

Blue Peter airs Fridays at 5pm on CBBC and BBC iPlayer and, with regular breaks during school holidays, the show will maintain a constant digital presence on YouTube and social media as well as BBC iPlayer.