BBC Studios will continue to produce the iconic children’s programme Blue Peter until 2027.
- The competitive tender process for the production deal was launched in February, seeking bids for the show from April 2025.
- The contract, worth £2m annually, ensures a minimum of 20 hours of production each year.
- There was speculation about the show’s location as the tender did not specify production location beyond ‘outside London.’
- Blue Peter remains a beloved children’s programme, inspiring young viewers for over six decades.
BBC Studios has successfully retained the contract to produce the renowned children’s television programme, Blue Peter, securing the role until 2027. The decision followed a competitive tender process initiated in February, aimed at finding a producer for the show from April 2025 onwards. The contract, valued at around £2 million per year, guarantees the production of at least 20 hours of the programme annually from its established location at Media City, Salford.
Concerns had arisen about a potential move of the show from its purpose-built Salford studio, because the tender document merely specified an ‘outside London’ production location, leading to a wave of speculation. However, BBC Studios’ success in the bidding process means that Blue Peter will remain at its home in Salford.
Since its inception, Blue Peter has been a cornerstone of children’s television, renowned for its engaging content and interactive elements. Transitioning to BBC Studios Kids & Family in 2022, the programme has continued its legacy of delightful education and entertainment. The announcement of the new contract was made alongside other significant broadcasting contracts, including Eurovision and Sports Personality of the Year.
Sarah Muller, who oversees commissioning for BBC Children’s and Education, emphasised the programme’s enduring popularity. She described Blue Peter as a ‘much-loved icon of children’s TV’ that maintains its role as a favourite among families, even 66 years after its launch. Muller also highlighted the ongoing encouragement for young viewers to engage with the show by submitting letters and artwork in pursuit of the esteemed Blue Peter badge.
BBC Studios’ continued partnership with Blue Peter ensures the programme remains a fixture in children’s television, captivating young audiences for years to come.
