
Blue Peter – Presenters, Badge & Flag in 2025
What is Blue Peter and is it still on TV?
Yes – airs on CBBC and iPlayer
Abby, Joel, Shini, Hacker T Dog
Free entry to 200+ attractions
A signal flag meaning ‘P’ – first used as a call for new ideas
- Blue Peter is the longest-running children’s TV show in the world, first broadcast in 1958.
- The Blue Peter badge is one of the most iconic children’s TV rewards, offering free entry to numerous UK attractions.
- The show’s flag is derived from the International Code of Signals and was chosen to represent ‘P’ for ‘Peter’.
- My Blue Peter is an online portal where children can track badge progress, play games, and submit makes.
- Over 5,000 episodes have been produced since the show began.
- Blue Peter has been hosted by a rotating team of presenters, with more than 30 individuals having held the role.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First aired | 16 October 1958 |
| Network | CBBC (BBC) |
| Current presenters | Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, Shini Muthukrishnan, Hacker T Dog |
| Total episodes | over 5,000 |
| Badge types | Blue, Silver, Gold, Green, Purple, etc. |
| Badge free entry | includes over 200 UK attractions (e.g., Alton Towers, SEA LIFE) |
Blue Peter is a British children’s television programme that has been on air since 16 October 1958. Produced by the BBC, it is one of the longest-running children’s shows in the world. Despite speculation, it has not ended and continues to broadcast on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.
Who are the current Blue Peter presenters?
The presenting team as of 2025 includes several familiar faces and one puppet. They appear in regular episodes and special features.
Current team (2020–present)
- Mwaksy Mudenda
- Adam Beales
- Joel Mawhinney
- Abby Cook
- Shini Muthukrishnan
- Hacker T Dog (the show’s puppet dog)
Presenters almost always wear their Blue Peter badge on screen. The only exception is when their clothing does not allow it, in which case a sticker is used instead.
How many presenters have there been?
Since 1958, more than 30 individuals have served as Blue Peter presenters. The original hosts were Christopher Trace and Leila Williams. The show has always featured a mix of male and female presenters.
How do you get a Blue Peter badge?
The Blue Peter badge is a celebrated reward for children who contribute to the show. It was introduced on 17 June 1963 by editor Biddy Baxter.
What is a Blue Peter badge?
It is a collectible pin awarded for achievements such as sending in a letter, poem, or picture, appearing on the show, or demonstrating bravery. Badges are made from recycled objects. A behind-the-scenes video shows how they are produced.
How do I apply for a Blue Peter badge?
Children can apply by submitting entries via the official BBC website or by participating in competitions. There is no separate “My Blue Peter login” portal for direct badge requests. Applications are reviewed by the show’s team.
What does the Blue Peter badge give you free entry to?
Children aged 15 and under who hold a valid badge and certificate receive free admission to over 200 venues across the UK, including theme parks, museums, and wildlife attractions. See the official badge attractions page for details.
There are multiple badges: Blue (standard), Green (environment), Orange (competition), Silver (kindness), Gold (outstanding bravery), Purple (fan club), and Diamond (60th anniversary).
Where can I watch Blue Peter?
Blue Peter is available on BBC iPlayer for streaming and airs on CBBC, the BBC’s children’s channel. Episodes are typically 25 minutes long and broadcast three times a week. Short clips and updates are also shared on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook by CBBC. A behind‑the‑scenes video showing how badges are made from recycled objects is available on the CBBC website.
For the latest episodes, check the Blue Peter iPlayer page or the official BBC Blue Peter official page.
Blue Peter has not ended. It remains in production and continues to focus on environmental awareness, creativity, and adventure.
What is the Blue Peter flag?
The programme’s name comes directly from the maritime signal flag known as “Blue Peter” – a blue flag with a white square. In the International Code of Signals, it represents the letter P and is hoisted when a ship is about to depart. The show’s producers chose it to symbolise a “voyage of adventure and discovery” for its young audience. The ship logo, the “Blue Peter Galleon,” was designed by artist Tony Hart. Additional background on the flag and show origins can be found in the Solar Navigator article.
What are the key milestones in Blue Peter history?
- 1958 – First episode broadcast on BBC TV as a 15‑minute weekly programme.
- 1963 – First Blue Peter badge introduced on 17 June.
- 1970s – Introduction of the Blue Peter garden as a regular set feature.
- 1980s – Famous presenters including Janet Ellis and Peter Purves join the show.
- 1990s – Badge scheme expands to include free entry to attractions.
- 2000s – Show moves to CBBC and begins digital integration.
- 2018 – 60th anniversary celebrated with a special Diamond badge.
- 2020s – Continued production with new presenters and the My Blue Peter online platform.
Common questions and misconceptions about Blue Peter
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Blue Peter is still airing on CBBC and iPlayer. It has not ended. | The exact future broadcast schedule beyond 2025 is not publicly detailed. |
| Children can still apply for a Blue Peter badge through the official BBC website. | There is no specific “My Blue Peter login” portal for direct badge requests; the application process is handled via the show. |
| The badge is primarily for children aged 6–15, though adults can sometimes earn them through special events. | Not all badge types are always available; some are limited-time releases (e.g., Sport badge). |
What is the cultural significance of Blue Peter?
Blue Peter has remained a staple of British children’s television for over 65 years. It has evolved from live broadcasts to digital platforms while keeping its focus on creativity, challenges, and education. The badge scheme has become a rite of passage for many children, and the show holds a Guinness World Record for the longest‑running children’s TV programme.
Where can I find reliable information about Blue Peter?
Authoritative sources include the Blue Peter Wikipedia article (with citations), the official Blue Peter YouTube channel, and BBC press releases such as the press office feature. For details on badge free entry, the official badge attractions page is useful.
Additionally, the Solar Navigator article provides background on the flag and show origins. The CBBC website includes a video explaining how badges are made from recycled objects: behind‑the‑scenes factory tour.
What’s next for Blue Peter?
Viewers can continue to watch new episodes on CBBC and iPlayer, apply for a Blue Peter badge via the official BBC website, explore the My Blue Peter platform for games and challenges, and follow the show on YouTube for creative content. Explore other CBBC shows.
Frequently asked questions
How many Blue Peter badges are there?
There are several types: Blue, Silver, Gold, Green, Purple, and more for special achievements.
Can I get a Blue Peter badge if I live outside the UK?
The badge is mainly for UK residents, but international viewers can sometimes receive them through special events or competitions.
What is the Blue Peter garden?
The Blue Peter garden is a famous set piece that has been part of the show since the 1970s, often used for competitions and special features.
How long is a Blue Peter episode?
Episodes are typically 25–30 minutes long.
Did Blue Peter end?
No, Blue Peter is still airing on CBBC and available on BBC iPlayer. It has not ended.
Can adults get a Blue Peter badge?
The badge is primarily for children aged 6–15, though adults can sometimes earn them through special events.
How do I apply for a Blue Peter badge?
Children can apply by sending in letters, poems, pictures, or participating in competitions via the official BBC website.
What is My Blue Peter?
My Blue Peter is an online portal where children can track badge progress, play games, and submit makes. There is no separate login for badge applications.
What does the Blue Peter flag look like?
It is a maritime signal flag: blue with a white square in the centre. It represents the letter P and signals a ship’s departure.
Is Blue Peter still on in 2025?
Yes, the show continues to broadcast on CBBC and is available on BBC iPlayer.