Queen Elizabeth hosted a party to mark the 50th anniversary of Blue Peter yesterday (15.10.08).
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Past and present presenters of the popular children’s show attended the lavish event at Buckingham Palace, which was filmed and will be broadcast on BBC1 later today (16.10.08).
The monarch wore her gold Blue Peter badge as she greeted guests, including former presenters of the show Valerie Singleton, 71, Peter Purves, 69, John Noakes, 74, Lesley Judd, 61, Simon Groom, 58, Yvette Fielding, 40, Katy Hill, 37, Diane-Louise Jordan, 40, Konnie Huq, 33, and Matt Baker, 30.
The queen presented four youngsters with gold badges to mark their exceptional achievements.
Purves said outside the royal residence: “I’ve always wanted to look inside Buckingham Palace, so now I’ll get the chance.”
Longest serving presenter Noakes had previously declined the invitation – citing his feud with the show’s former editor Biddy Baxter.
Former presenters John Leslie, who has been accused of sexual assault, Richard Bacon, who was sacked after cocaine allegation and Janet Ellis, who had a child out of wedlock in 1987, were not invited to the party.
