BBC favourite Blue Peter has finished filming its last ever live episode, one star has confirmed. The children’s classic first appeared on our screens way back in 1958, and has featured stars including John Noakes, Anthea Turner and Peter Purves over the years.

But now, in a fresh blow to fans, its last ever live episode has wrapped. Blue Peter will no longer air on television, but will continue to post new episodes online for long-time fans to enjoy. Its former star Simon Thomas confirmed the news, writing on Instagram: “Apparently (I had no idea) today is the last ever LIVE Blue Peter on television. The show isn’t finishing, there is apparently going to be a show online; just not live on the TV anymore.

“When I look back at those heady days on #BluePeter I will be forever grateful for three things: 1. The show took a chance on me all those years ago. I had no experience, was a complete unknown and had been told by one Children’s BBC editor a couple of years before that I would never make it as a kids presenter!

“2. We probably didn’t realise it at the time; but we were working in the last years of the golden age of children’s TV, a time when children’s programmes filled the afternoons and Saturday mornings on BBC1 and ITV. An era when audiences were measured in the millions rather than the thousands. I don’t say golden in arrogant way; but everything has fragmented now and the way children consume entertainment has changed forever. There will never be another era like it again.”

Simon’s third reason was getting to present a live show, admitting there is “nothing like live television”. He added: “Writing this reaffirms how blessed I’ve been to work on [a] show like Blue Peter and had the career I have. It’s given me incredible memories that will stay with me forever.”

He reiterated: “For the avoidance of any doubt, BP isn’t finishing, it just won’t be live on the telly anymore.”

His former co-stars – including Countryfile’s Matt Baker – chimed in to share their own shock. Matt penned: “WWHHHAATTT ?? Mate we had the most incredible time! The best memories and the end of the most magical energy and spirit to be shared across the Country at tea time X I feel very fortunate to have experienced and shared the feeling.”

Zoe Salmon added: “Who knew?!?! The best memories of the best times. So much love for Blue Peter and the BP Family & audience.”

Meanwhile, Blue Peter star Richard Bacon posted to X: “Blue Peter’s last ever live show was today. Apparently, it will carry on online pre-recorded. I love and loved that show. Even if caused it some bother.

“Being live is what made it alive. The elephant, the studio catching fire. The mistakes, the movement, the energy. At 21, hosting live in TV Centre’s vast studios was wonderful. 1st day rehearsing, I remember walking from one side of the studio to the other – doing a piece to camera – and seeing the whole crew, five cameras, and another on a crane, track with me.

“I know that doesn’t sound like much – but the first time it happened it was mind blowing. It was just a big, well-made, lovingly made, really well resourced Live kids TV show. That had been live in that building for decades. It was a magical experience (for, you know, all of 20 months).”