logo
Blue Peter presenters' lives now - from sex tape and cocaine scandal to 'porn' role

Blue Peter presenters' lives now - from sex tape and cocaine scandal to 'porn' role

Daily Record01-05-2025
While Blue Peter has launched the careers of many TV presenters, some stars have struggled to shake off their association with the iconic children's show after leaving.
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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Russell Grant's horoscopes as Gemini to have deep desire to give and receive love
Russell Grant's horoscopes as Gemini to have deep desire to give and receive love

Daily Record

time8 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Russell Grant's horoscopes as Gemini to have deep desire to give and receive love

Today's horoscope for Friday, July 25 sees one star sign recognising life is hectic, while another finds an unexpected request gives them a chance to get involved in a team effort. Today's daily horoscopes for each star sign can be found below. These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant who has been reading star signs for more than 50 years. ‌ Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) People are naturally attracted to you. If you're in a relationship, your partner will find it hard to resist any request you make of them. If you're single, someone you meet in a park, museum, boutique or fine dining restaurant will become special to you. ‌ Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21) You aren't too enthusiastic about accepting an invitation to a community event. Yet for some reason you feel obliged to go. As it is, you will be glad of this chance to get involved in group activities. Someone with a wonderful sense of humour will brighten your day. ‌ Gemini (May 22 - June 21) A talented friend will encourage you to explore new ways to enhance your skills and knowledge. Some daily exercise will be both invigorating and enjoyable. Take this chance to take part in unusual or spontaneous activities. You have a deep desire to give and receive love. Cancer (June 22 - July 23) Life is hectic. Demands and expectations from others are starting to feel overwhelming. You're doing your best to get through a difficult situation but you don't know everything and putting the pieces of this puzzle together isn't easy. You may need help to gain a clearer understanding. Leo (July 24 - Aug 23) A loved one is feeling neglected while you constantly take centre stage. It's time to step back. When socialising, turn your attention to others and turn the spotlight off yourself. Organise a candlelit dinner for two, indulge your partner's sensual side, and watch as any issues in your relationship begin to mend. ‌ Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 23) You have successfully moved past a difficult stage in your life. You can now focus on what lies ahead and this looks far less problematic. If you've been spending a lot of time alone, making new friends is your next priority. Do some research on social groups in your area. Libra (Sept 24 - Oct 23) An unexpected request gives you a chance to get involved a team effort. There's a lot of work ahead for you, yet this project also makes you feel as if you're doing something useful. You are brimming with energy and enthusiasm and it should be fun to apply your creativity in a hands-on way. Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Successful negotiations will give your confidence a boost. Your positive outlook seems to attract new social opportunities without you even trying. You may have to cancel a date in order to attend an important meeting. Additionally, you are looking to contribute some of your time to a meaningful cause. ‌ 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. Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) A close friend or partner is spending more time with new friends. You would like to join them but you aren't a part of their plans. Don't protest too loudly. Instead, take this as a sign they want more freedom independent of your relationship. If you care for them, give them the space they need. ‌ Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) The only person you can truly depend on is yourself. A friend or colleague can't seem to understand why you are upset with them. They don't recognise why something is so important to you as it means nothing to them. Take this chance to think about your life and your friendships. Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) A workplace disagreement will stir up feelings of annoyance and frustration. You're tired of working with someone who insists on keeping to the same methods and routines day after day. You want to challenge the status quo. At least give yourself the freedom to deviate from the norm. Pisces (Feb 20 - Mar 20) Avoid measuring your financial status against that of your friends, neighbours, and coworkers. Those who seem to have it all may actually be struggling with significant debt. Competing with others is a futile effort. If you're facing financial constraints, steer clear of the urge to go on a shopping spree.

Scots Oasis ticket-holders offered incredible discounts including cheap merchandise and parking – here's how
Scots Oasis ticket-holders offered incredible discounts including cheap merchandise and parking – here's how

Scottish Sun

time11 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Scots Oasis ticket-holders offered incredible discounts including cheap merchandise and parking – here's how

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OASIS fans heading to the Scots gigs can monkey around with discount deals before the gig at Edinburgh Zoo - and get money off parking. The Manchester supergroup are playing three dates at Murrayfield Stadium in the capital on August 8, 9 and 12. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Oasis are playing three gigs at Murrayfield Stadium 3 Edinburgh Zoo is a 30 minute walk from Murrayfield Credit: Michael Schofield 3 Murrayfield is hosting three gigs in August The zoo, situated a short walk from the ground, have offered discounts on fans who can show a ticket proving they are going to the sell-out gigs. The huge tourist attraction posted on social media those with gold dust briefs can gain 25% off admission, 25% off bucket hats and 15% off merchandise at the zoo shop. Fans can also take advantage of £20 parking at the zoo, which is a 30 minute walk from Murrayfield Stadium. The post said: 'What's the story, morning glory? 'Oasis are playing Murrayfield and we're rolling with it. 'Got a ticket for 8, 9 or 12 August? 'Flash it at the zoo and get 25% off admission (because nothing says pre-gig vibes like a stroll past a rhino), 25% off bucket hats (Liam would approve), 15% off shop merch (penguins > parkas?), £20 parking – just a short walk from the gig (Don't Look Back in Anger… at traffic).' The summer dates will go ahead when the capital is already packed with residents and tourists during the Edinburgh festival period. Oasis have already played several massive shows in Cardiff and Manchester. The Oasis Live '25 tour resumes on Friday with the first of five gigs at London's Wembley Stadium. Oasis kick off first Manchester homecoming gig after 16 years away The band will then play in Edinburgh and Dublin before heading to Canada, the US and Mexico. Two further Wembley gigs are lined up in September. We previously reported how OASIS fans have been branded 'drunk', 'lairy', 'fat' and 'old' in secret safety briefings ahead of their three sell-out Murrayfield megagigs. Snooty Edinburgh council officials also said punters at August's shows will be mainly 'middle-aged men' who 'take up more room'. Papers released under freedom of information laws reveal fears that acts will pull out of Edinburgh's world-famous arts festival due to possible clashes with 'rowdy' punters heading to the Britpop legends' three sell-out shows nearby Snooty officials expect 'medium to high intoxication' and a 'substantial amount of older fans' among the 210,000 gig-goers at Murrayfield Stadium on August 8, 9 and 12. Meanwhile millions are set to pour into the capital for Fringe comedy, music, dance, cabaret and kids' shows from August 1 to 25.

New Harry Potter attraction launched in iconic Scots movie location
New Harry Potter attraction launched in iconic Scots movie location

Scottish Sun

time11 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

New Harry Potter attraction launched in iconic Scots movie location

Scroll down for times and tickets THAT'S MAGIC New Harry Potter attraction launched in iconic Scots movie location Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW Harry Potter attraction is launching in Scotland this summer. Fans of the book series and movie franchise have long flocked to the north to visit locations featured in the flicks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Scottish landmark was used in four films 5 Harry Potter and his pals travelled on the train to Hogwarts over the viaduct 5 Now bus no. 9 ¾ will take visitors to the village 5 Scots schoolboy Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter in the new HBO series Credit: HBO Glenfinnan Viaduct has been one of the favourites, as the Hogwarts Express travelled across the famous bridge in four of the films. Now a new weekend bus service is being introduced to encourage more of the 600,000 annual visitors to Glenfinnan to leave their cars behind and travel a little more magically. And the bus line has a name inspired by the books, being called no. 9 ¾ - or 934. This is in a nod to Platform 9¾, the magical place Harry and his pals caught the Hogwarts Express when heading for school. According to those behind the bus journey, the service offers a 'spellbinding alternative to driving' with comfy seats and scenic views. The new timetable is part of a community-led effort aimed at helping plug a gap in public transport provision to the tiny village on the shores of Loch Shiel in Lochaber on Saturdays and Sundays. It's a pilot scheme to gauge public appetite for a motor-free day out and help relieve pressure on local car parks, which quickly fill up at this time of year, leading to hazardous kerbside parking and traffic congestion along the famous road to the Isles. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), Glenfinnan Community Council, Glenfinnan Community Facilities Charitable Trust (SCIO), Glenfinnan Station Museum and HITRANS have each contributed to the cost of the buses. Local authority councillors have also backed the project by supporting an application to The Highland Council's Discretionary Budget, while local bus company, Shiel Buses, will operate the service. Glenfinnan businesses are also offering 'green rewards' as a thank you to those visitors who show them a valid bus or train ticket. Harry Potter legend breaks his silence as replacement cast in HBO TV series These include the NTS Visitor Centre offering a complimentary hot drink, and two-for-one on climbing Glenfinnan Monument, along with a range of other discounts. Kate Forbes MSP commented: "Glenfinnan has become an iconic destination for visitors, with thousands of visitors every year. This has created pressures on local infrastructure, which I have been working to resolve with local residents. 'A few years ago, the community successfully built a much larger car park. However, this has quickly become too small. As such, I have been chairing a task force to identify solutions over the last few years. HOW TO GET THERE THE summer weekend bus service will run four times a day at the weekends, between Fort William and Glenfinnan, from now until September 7. It is just one of many train and bus services that travel to Glenfinnan seven days a week. Visitors will be able to get on the Glenfinnan weekend bus at Fort William bus station, Lochaber High School (free parking available at weekends), Kilmallie Hall in Corpach and Linnhe Caravan Park. Times for the new service, along with timetables and prices for all other buses and trains, can be found in the 'Guide to visiting Glenfinnan without a Car.' This can be viewed and downloaded from 'I am delighted to see a new solution to get more people out of their cars. This will hopefully be transformational, as more visitors choose to share transport. 'I am enormously grateful to all the key stakeholders – The Highland Council, HITRANS, Shiel Buses, National Trust for Scotland and every local resident that has been helping drive this forward.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store