The Blue Peter Diaries

“I love the way Rich writes, it’s so compelling and addictive, just makes you want to keep on reading...” Konnie Huq, Presenter 1997-2008

“I found it fascinating. It takes you right behind the scenes. Sometimes it’s hilariously funny, sometimes really sad.” Gethin Jones, Presenter 2005-2008

Blue Peter is the world’s longest-running children’s programme, launched by the BBC in 1958. Richard Marson worked on the iconic series for ten years, four of them as Editor. Throughout all this time, he kept a diary and, on the eve of the show’s diamond anniversary, The Blue Peter Diaries offer a fascinating insight into its production, taking the lid off the fun and frustrations of one of the BBC’s top jobs.

Packed with compelling behind-the-scenes stories of filming all over the world, and of the many extraordinary characters he met along the way, the thrill (and occasional disasters) of live television, as well as frank accounts of television power games, the coming and goings of presenters and pets, and his own dramatic departure from the show.

This new edition includes unseen photography and an added epilogue chapter.

Richard Marson is the author of Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter Drama and Delight: The Life of Verity Lambert and Totally Tasteless: The Life of John Nathan-Turner.

Softcover: 156mm x 244 format; 470 pages in black and white, plus 24-page colour photo insert.