BBC Studios (BBCS) will continue to produce the Beeb’s flagship children’s programme, Blue Peter, until 2027 after winning the competitive tender process for the high-profile contract.
The tender launched in February this year, seeking bids to produce the long-running children’s show from April 2025.
The contract is worth around at £2m-per-year and will see BBCS produce a minimum of 20 hours of the show each year, from Blue Peter’s existing base in Media City, Salford. There had been some speculation that the show may be moved from its purpose-built studio when the tender document declined to specifiy where production should take place, beyond “outside London.”
Blue Peter is the longest-running children’s programme in the world and was produced by BBC Children’s Productions before moving to BBCS Kids & Family in 2022.
The tender was announced at the same time as those for Eurovision and Sports Personality of the Year. BBCS retained the contract for Eurovision, while Whisper North won the tender for SPoTY.
Sarah Muller, senior head of commissioning 7+, BBC Children’s and Education, said: “Blue Peter is a much-loved icon of children’s TV and is still a family favourite 66 years since it first began.
“The show continues to inspire viewers to send in letters and artwork in the hope of being awarded a coveted badge Blue Peter badge, and this retained contract ensures that the beloved show continues to educate, inform and entertain young viewers.”
