Get down Shep!
On 16 October 1958, a 15-minute programme featuring train sets and dolls aired for the first time on the BBC. Little did its creator, John Hunter Blair, realise that Blue Peter would become the world's longest-running children's television programme.
As it celebrates its landmark birthday, Blue Peter At 50 takes a nostalgic, affectionate and sometimes poignant look back at programmes from the last five decades, examining the various elements that have contributed to Blue Peter's success.
Tom Baker narrates an hour-long patchwork of delights, featuring interviews, mishaps, badges, innuendo, adventure, celebrities, appeals, pets and a selection of previously unseen items. Presenting teams reunite to spill the beans on the fun and mishaps that went on during their time on Blue Peter, including the iconic late-1960s team of Peter Purves, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes (pictured).
For the first time, the programme's longest-serving member of staff - daredevil director and camera man Alex Leger - talks with some of the presenters about a multitude of action films and some near-death experiences.
With more than 4,000 programmes to choose from, the programme has delved deep into the BBC archives to unearth previously unseen footage, outtakes and further classic moments from the series.
Johnny Wilkinson, Torvill and Dean and Nick Park talk about what the show meant to them as children and Lewis Hamilton, who appeared on the show as a child, reveals he is working towards winning his gold Blue Peter badge. The programme also examines Blue Peter's fund-raising appeals. And former presenter Mark Curry describes "the power of Blue Peter".
Documenting the highs and lows over the last 50 years, the programme is a heart-warming tribute to CBBC's flagship programme.
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