
Blue Peter presenters' lives now - from sex tape and cocaine scandal to 'porn' role
The wholesome reputation of Blue Peter - the longest-running children's TV programme globally - has occasionally been marred by the off-screen behaviour of its presenters.
From Richard Bacon's cocaine scandal in the 1990s to Scots entertainer John Leslie's leaked sex tape and sexual assault allegations; Konnie Huq's phone-in controversies and TV executives failing to shield their youngest host, Yvette Fielding, from convicted paedophile Rolf Harris, the show has sometimes made headlines for all the wrong reasons since it started in 1958.
But what became of these hosts after they bid farewell to the show?
Here, The Record delves into the varied fortunes of some of Blue Peter's most cherished presenters.
Richard Bacon
Arguably one of the most notorious former hosts, Richard has carved out a successful career as a US TV producer based in LA, where he generates new concepts for game shows. But, even though it is nearly three decades later, the now 47-year-oldis perhaps best remembered for his dismissal from Blue Peter following a cocaine incident at a London nightclub.
In October 1998, at just 22 years old, Bacon became the first presenter on the children's show to have his contract terminated mid-run after confessing to using the Class A drug when a Sunday tabloid exposed the story. Despite this setback, Bacon managed to salvage his television career, going on to host The Big Breakfast and Top of The Pops, as well as securing an afternoon slot on BBC Radio 5 Live.
In 2014, Bacon ventured to the US to anchor a daytime television programme and he has also opened up about his historical battles with addiction, particularly regarding alcohol. He admitted to The Guardian: "My wife would like me to do AA all the time, and I just don't, but I have said I will spend more time with our therapist examining my relationship to drink."
During a visit back home in 2018, Bacon became ill and took himself to A&E at Lewisham hospital, where it was found that he was critically sick with pneumonia. Doctors placed him in an induced coma.
Reflecting on the traumatic episode, Richard shared what doctors had told him post-recovery: "You were lying on the hospital trolley, you were crashing. You turned blue. We thought you were going to go into cardiac arrest and die."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Upon waking up nine days later from his brush with death, Bacon learned that healthcare professionals in the London hospital's ICU had performed a tracheotomy to save his life.
Bacon is now living in LA with his spouse Rebecca McFarlane and their two kids Arthur, 14, and Ivy, 11.
He joked: "I could bring peace to the Middle East and still, when I die, the top line of the obituary will be 'fired from Blue Peter '."
Before Bacon's appearance, Scots presenter John Leslie co-hosted Blue Peter alongside the departed Caron Keating and Anthea Turner between 1989 and 1994. Leslie went out with The Mask of Zorro star Catherine Zeta-Jones, but became more famous for dating nurse and model Abi Titmuss after a private tape of her having sex with another woman - filmed by Leslie - was leaked
But Leslie's successful career as a co-host of This Morning with Fern Britton came to an abrupt halt in 2002 when Swedish TV presenter Ulrika Johnson alleged in her autobiography that she had been raped by "an acquaintance" when she was 19 and Matthew Wright mentioned Leslie's name by mistake on live television.
Despite being cleared of all charges, he told the Scottish Mail: "I lost everything overnight. I'd gone from earning over £300,000 to not a single penny coming in. And I spent about £500,000 on legal costs."
Forced to sell his £3.5m mansion and return to his hometown of Edinburgh, Leslie managed to get by on royalties and DJing gigs. Having battled his way back from being a "depressed and suicidal" recluse, the 60-year-old is currently a property developer and resides with his girlfriend Kate Moore.
But Leslie has continued to be plagued by historical assault allegations. A woman claimed he groped her breasts at a celebrity party in 2008, and again in 2017, he was accused of sliding his hand down the back of a woman's trousers while dancing.
Leslie has consistently denied both allegations and was acquitted in both cases.
Yvette Fielding
Convicted paedophile Rolf Harris was a frequent guest on numerous BBC shows. But Yvette Fielding, who joined as a co-presenter alongside Mark Curry and Caron Keating at the age of 18 in 1987, disclosed that she was molested by the disgraced entertainer after being left alone with him in a TV studio.
Last year, she criticised the BBC for not fulfilling its duty of care towards her. Speaking to The Sun, she said: "It was bizarre to think Rolf Harris was squeezing and patting my bottom and I am standing there, thinking, 'I don't know what to do.' Other people in the industry must have known what he was like and (they) left me alone in the studio with him. That shouldn't have happened. I think a lot of them did know'."
Now aged 56, Fielding is most recognised for hosting and co-creating the paranormal TV show Most Haunted with her cameraman and producer husband Karl Beattie.
Konnie Huq
Konnie Huq, who co- presented with Richard Bacon and held the record as the longest-serving female presenter on the show from 1997 to 2008, had to apologise live on air for a phone-in scandal that resulted in the BBC being fined an unprecedented £50,000 by Ofcom.
The corporation confessed that the results of a Blue Peter competition to identify the celebrity owner of a pair of shoes were fabricated when the show allowed a child visiting the studio to pose as a caller due to technical issues preventing real calls from reaching the studio. Konnie was also implicated in the show's cat-naming scandal.
She later said: "I was horrified. I couldn't believe it was allowed to happen. It was partly because of the scam I made the decision to leave."
Married to the mastermind behind Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker, the 49 year old London-based mother of two has transitioned from her TV presenting and celebrity game show panelist days to penning books and scripts, carving out a niche as a successful children's author.
Pet scandals
Blue Peter without its controversies, particularly when it came to their furry co-stars. The first major incident occurred in 1962 when it was later revealed that Petra, the show's first pet, was hastily replaced by a lookalike after the original dog tragically died of distemper just two days before her scheduled debut.
Biddy Baxter, the long-serving Blue Peter editor who stepped down in 1988, disclosed in her memoir, 'The Woman Who Made Blue Peter', "It was unthinkable to traumatise our youngest viewers, so we had to trawl London for the dead pup's lookalike."
Another memorable moment involved a dispute over Shep, the programme's beloved border collie, following the departure of legendary presenter John Noakes after a 12-year stint during which he became synonymous with the show's golden era alongside Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves.
Shep, who had lived with Noakes since his first appearance on screen in 1971, became the centre of a heated argument when Noakes left. He said at the time: "I thought Shep was mine – they told me I could keep him, but they went back on their word."
Now aged 91, Biddy Baxter clarified in her book that Noakes did indeed take Shep with him until 1982, when he and his wife Vicky embarked on a global sailing adventure, after which Shep was taken in by the show's pet carer Edith Menezes. Noakes passed away in 2017.
Peter Duncan
In 1980, the audacious Noakes was succeeded by another man of action, actor Peter Duncan, who had previously appeared in a risqué film titled The Lifetaker.
Despite the ensuing controversy, Duncan, who co- hosted alongside Simon Groom, Sarah Greene and Janet Ellis, wasn't dismissed. Reflecting on the incident, he said:"They called me a soft porn star and it was nonsense. Yes, there was a little soft-focus nudity, but it wasn't salacious."
Duncan even made light of the situation in 2014 when he tweeted: "For your pleasure on my 60th trailer from my 1973 'porn' film that caused trauma and headlines."
In the early 2000s, Duncan and his wife Annie produced a series of family holiday documentaries featuring their four children. Now aged 71, the former chief scout remains active every Christmas, staging his Jack and the Beanstalk panto production.
Stars lost too soon
When Duncan departed from the show for the first time in 1984, he was replaced by Michael Sundin, whose tenure was marred by controversy following rumours about his sexuality, leading to his dismissal. Tragically, Michael passed away at the age of 28 from an Aids-related illness in 1989, although it was reported as "liver cancer" at the time.
The show also mourned the loss of another presenter taken too soon, Gloria Hunniford's daughter Caron Keating, who succumbed to breast cancer in April 2004 after a seven-year battle. She was only 41 and left behind two young sons.
Peter Purves
Blue Peter's longest-serving male presenter, Peter Purves, is still alive today at the age of 86. Working on Blue Peter between 1967 and 1978, Purves once took the headlines for a fleeting romantic encounter with fellow presenter Valerie Singleton during his marriage.
He later said: "It was only one night. We remained great friends."
Purves disclosed how his countless trips to sunny shores while on Blue Peter led to skin cancer. Speaking with The Mail on Sunday, he said: "I travelled to 27 countries with Blue Peter in the 1960s and early 70s."
Successfully defying the so-called Blue Peter curse, Purves now enjoys a tranquil life tucked away in Suffolk with his wife Kathryn Evans and their cherished dogs. Singleton, who is 88, chose not to marry or have children. She pursued a radio career post-Blue Peter before calling it a day and settling down in Somerset.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Strictly's Punam Krishan opens brand new luxury spa experience 'unlike anything else'
Gary Hollywood and Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren joined Dr Punam to open the spa Strictly Come Dancing's Dr Punam Krishan joined fellow celebrities and dignitaries in Renfrewshire to unveil the new multi-million pound Imperia Spa at Gleddoch Hotel. The glamorous event on Thursday, July 24, marked the official opening of the luxury wellness facility, following six months of extensive refurbishment at the Langbank hotel. Guests included Mrs Brown's Boys actor Gary Hollywood and Glasgow's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, who joined Dr Punam in cutting the ribbon. The TV doctor, who recently appeared on Strictly's Christmas special, praised the spa's tranquil setting but admitted one feature wouldn't tempt her. 'The spa is absolutely beautiful, the views are stunning and I am feeling very tranquil. It's Scotland at its best,' said Punam, 42. 'The ice plunge pool is the only thing that I will not be trying. "You couldn't pay me to jump into that. Gorka would love it. He does ice water baths every day, but I cannot do it. I respect anybody who can do ice water immersions but it's definitely not for me.' The new Imperia Spa now boasts one of the largest outdoor saunas in the UK, offering panoramic views over the Clyde and the surrounding countryside, including Ben Lomond. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of thermal facilities, including a salt steam room, aroma steam room, pink Himalayan salt sauna, hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge pool, and an ice fountain. The spa's design draws inspiration from the estate's past and the glamour of the golden age of travel, with luxurious finishes including black marble, antique gold touches, crystal detailing, and plush quilted textures. Hotel manager James Anderson said the new space had been carefully crafted to combine indulgence, heritage and modern wellness. 'Every detail of Imperia has been designed to surprise and delight, creating an escape unlike anything else in Scotland,' he said. 'This is not just a spa; it's an experience where indulgence, heritage, and contemporary wellness meet. It really is breathtaking and has to be seen to be believed. We're thrilled to show it off.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Actor Gary Hollywood, who played Dino Doyle in the BAFTA-winning sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys, attended the launch with his wife Cherylanne. The couple were all smiles as they mingled with fans and praised the hotel as a personal favourite. 'Gleddoch is our happy place and the new spa is spectacular,' he said. 'We've been coming here to relax and unwind as a family for five years. It's on our doorstep but you quite literally enter another world. My son Ollie, who's now five, thinks it's his second home. His shoes are kicked off the second he arrives.' The spa also features a wellbeing studio, a modern fitness suite, and seven treatment rooms offering therapies using luxury products from leading brands including Natura Bissé, Elemis, Temple Spa and Tri-Dosha. An on-site restaurant adds to the overall experience. Situated just 20 minutes from Glasgow, Gleddoch Hotel sits on a 350-acre estate once owned by shipbuilding magnate Baron Lithgow. The new spa officially opened its doors on June 16.


Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Angry mum leaves Butlin's after 'beds wet' and daughter had 'poo on hands'
Mum Jasmine took to TikTok to share her disappointment with the accommodation at the Skegness holiday park. Butlin's has apologised after a family checked in to a "grimy" and "damp" room which was "in need of a massive deep clean". Mum Jasmine took to TikTok to share her disappointment with the accommodation at the Skegness holiday park. Sharing clips of the filthy room with her 19,000 followers, she said: "I could make a 10-minute video on all of the issues in here but here's some of them." Jasmine, who went on to give a tour of the room, added: "Even walking up to the room I felt grimy. This is the Butlin's comfort room. This is my sign to not blindly book something hahaha." As reported by the Mirro r, she said they couldn't stand to sleep in the room for more than one night as she showed dirt throughout, including in the shower and the bin. In her voiceover, Jasmine said: "I was meant to book the apartment but I didn't realise. When I first walked in there and I saw there's only two rooms and one bathroom in the middle, I thought, 'Where's the rest of it?'. "I am going to emphasise that was not Butlin's fault at all though to be fair - it was my fault. So anyway I don't know if the videos can do it justice because the smell when I walked in there was just absolutely wild. "This isn't the cleaner's fault or anything like that - it's the turnover rate is the issue. These rooms need massive deep cleans because a quick once over is not going to help." "I didn't even want to shower in there - in fact, I didn't shower in there. I ended up going to the swimming pools to have a shower. "We spent one night in this room and the beds were so damp - my daughter even woke up asking why the bed was so wet. "I can't explain the smell. I know I keep saying it but it was horrific. The mould was over the windows, there were cobwebs up the walls... This was a dead bug on our bed and then our daughter got poo on her hand walking out and I was like 'nah, that's it, 100% I am going.' "The stuff kids can do here is amazing though - I will not fault Butlins for that. It is just a shame about the room." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A spokesperson for the holiday park said: 'We're sorry and disappointed to see the cleanliness issues the guest experienced with their accommodation. This certainly isn't the high standards we expect our guests to receive when they holiday with us. We carried out a full reclean and offered a gesture of goodwill which was accepted.' Others shared similar experiences in the comments, with one person writing: "This looks so much cleaner than our room [laughing emoji]." Another person said: "Skegness I had the most horrible room haven't ever gone back. It was a hot year window broke couldn't open it, bedding didn't get changed stuff left under the bed etc was horrible." However, another visitor insisted they had only ever had positive experiences at the holiday park, writing: "Which Butlin's is this?? We've always been to skeg one and never had a room like this. That's grim."


Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
Oasis fans thank Noel Gallagher Scots ex-wife Sara McDonald for reunion after £20M divorce
Oasis fans have thanked Noel's Edinburgh born ex-wife Sara for 'rinsing' him in their divorce settlement and getting the band back together which they believe is the 'real reason' behind their reunion. Scots Oasis fans are now counting down the days until the Oasis Live 25' reunion tour comes to Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium in less than two weeks time. The band abruptly split in 2009 after a fiery fall-out between Liam and Noel Gallagher, which raged on for over 15-years before the two brothers finally announced they'd made peace with one another last year. The feuding siblings are said to have finally made up over a late night phone call but fans have their own theory for why they eventually put their rift to bed and announced an Oasis comeback. After Oasis announced their reunion tour last August, fans took to social media to credit one unexpected person for their reunion despite that same person previously being suggested as the sole reason the band would never return. The credit all goes to Noel Gallagher's ex wife, Sara McDonald. The Scots music PR was married to the High Flying Birds frontman for twelve years before they announced they were going their separate ways in 2023, the year before Oasis announced their return. Noel and Sara, who share kids Donovan, 17, and Sonny, 15, together, made their separation public in January 2023. Whilst being married to Noel, Sara, found herself embroiled in the Oasis feud and was known to not have a good relationship with Liam Gallagher. She was also known to not be too keen on Oasis' music in general as Noel previously admitted she's "not the biggest fan of anything I've ever done". Liam previously stirred the pot on X, formerly known as Twitter, when he suggested that Sara may be the sole reason why an Oasis reunion would never happen. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Replying to a fan who asked why Noel was so against reuniting, he replied: "I've told you before he's rite up for it but you know who won't let him as she doesn't like Oasis music." However, in an ironic twist of events, fans now believe Sara McDonald is the exact reason why an Oasis reunion is happening due to the £20m pay out she received from Noel as a result of their divorce. The Scots PR also forced Noel to relinquish their lavish £8m Hampshire home. TikTok user @lottieaesthetic took to the platform to upload a picture of the former couple with the Oasis track Don't Look Back in Anger playing in the background. The photo was captioned: "I'd like to thank Sara McDonald for rinsing Noel that badly in the divorce. Without you this wouldn't be possible." The TikTok, which was uploaded in 2024, raked in millions of views, with fans agreeing that money is the real reason why Oasis have made a return. One person replied: "Oasis only getting back together to make a few quid, they hate each other." Someone else chimed in: "Finally someone said it." A third echoed: "Sara, you're a legend babes x." It seems that Liam was not the only one who wasn't keen on his brother's ex-wife as fans also seem to have a very clear opinion on Sara. One comment read: "Only positive thing Sara contributed to Oasis." A second agreed: "Sara FINALLY did something good." Oasis are currently in the midst of their UK and Ireland 2025 reunion tour with Edinburgh set to be their next stop after their five shows at London's Wembley Stadium. The band will play in the Scots capital at Murrayfield Stadium for three nights on August 8, August 9 and August 12.