Blue Peter, the BBC’s ‘iconic’ long-running children’s TV show, is marking a new chapter as it gears up for a move to a brand new location in Manchester’s city centre with a ‘refreshed’ format. But Paul Dennett, Salford’s city mayor, says it is “disappointing” to hear it has moved from MediaCity.
Starting in September this year, the show will be recorded in Campfield Facilities at Versa Studios with a new digital-first magazine format. Blue Peter will continue to invite children into the creative studio to experience how the show is made and spontaneous moments and unscripted surprises will remain key parts of the show.
The Blue Peter Garden will remain at MediaCity, as well as the garden at RHS Bridgewater, both of which will continue to be used for filming. The production team and post-production will remain based at MediaCity in Salford, the home of BBC Children’s and Education.
Paul Dennett, Salford’s city mayor, said: “Whilst this is disappointing news, MediaCity’s position as the premier filming, production and digital destination in the North is still undisputed. When MediaCity was developed, the aspiration was to attract those world-famous productions, in order to help position Salford on a global stage and by working to bring those iconic brands to the city. That aspiration hasn’t changed over the years.”
READ MORE: The Traitors star to host BBC Radio One’s Early Breakfast from Liverpool amid presenter shake-up
He continues: “We know that the BBC is still very much committed to MediaCity, as are other broadcasters who continue to be attracted by the facilities, the workforce and skills, and the environment here in Salford. The collective challenge now for our colleagues at MediaCity and ourselves at Salford City Council is to work together to ensure we are attracting the next generation of TV and film makers and remain at the forefront of production and digital innovation. And that’s a challenge we are definitely up for.”
Martin Chown, managing director of MediaCity, explains the BBC Children’s and Education team is “still firmly rooted in Salford”.
He says: “Filming will continue to be a familiar sight in the Blue Peter gardens, the Blue Peter production team will be here and we are also delighted that post- production for Blue Peter will remain at dock10 going forward. dock10 will also continue to provide television studios, post-production and infrastructure services to a wide range of other BBC teams on site.”
“Other broadcasts we’ve been excited to see come out of MediaCity in recent weeks include Radio 3’s Breakfast show, Radio 1’s Early Breakfast show and BBC News at One in 2024. The future is looking bright, and we’ll continue to adapt and work with our partners to ensure we support production, talent pipeline and the future of media in the North.”
READ MORE: That’s a wrap: Staff bid farewell as BBC Children’s calls “cut” on MediaCity live links
For the past 67 years, Blue Peter has continuously evolved for different generations of children across multiple platforms. The upcoming format refresh and new studio will still be interactive and continue to feature those iconic Blue Peter badges, challenges, memorable competitions, and DIY crafts and bakes.
Sarah Muller, senior head of children’s commissioning +7, BBC Children’s and Education, said: “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.”
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.
