Blue Peter Special Assignment facts for kids

Blue Peter Special Assignment was an exciting factual TV series from the BBC in the United Kingdom. It aired in the 1970s and early 1980s. This show was the very first spin-off from the super popular children's series, Blue Peter.

The show ran regularly from 1973 to 1981, usually on weekends on BBC1. It was often talked about and promoted on the main Blue Peter show. The idea for Special Assignment came after Valerie Singleton, one of the main presenters, made a successful documentary. She filmed it with Princess Anne during her visit to Kenya in 1971.

Most of the Special Assignment series was produced by Edward Barnes. It was first presented by Valerie Singleton. Later, Peter Purves and Lesley Judd, who were also presenters on Blue Peter, joined as hosts.

Exploring the World and History

The series took viewers on amazing journeys, exploring different places and learning about famous people. Each series had a special theme.

European Capitals and Cities

The first two series focused on cities in Europe. Valerie Singleton was the presenter for these.

Series 1: European Capitals

In the first series, Valerie explored six capital cities in Europe. These included famous places like Rome, Paris, London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Vienna. The very first episode filmed was about Rome. In this episode, Valerie even met Pope Paul VI at The Vatican, who spoke directly to the children watching in Britain!

Series 2: More European Cities

The second series continued with Valerie exploring more European cities. She visited Dublin, York, and Madrid. She also went to Venice, which later appeared again in another series.

Islands and Famous Homes

Later series took viewers to islands and inside the homes of important historical figures.

Series 3: Islands

This series explored different islands. Valerie Singleton visited places like Hong Kong, the Isle of Skye, Malta, the Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Man. She even revisited Venice in this series.

Series 4: Great Houses

This series looked at the homes of famous people from history. Valerie Singleton and Lesley Judd visited places linked to figures like the Prince Regent (at Brighton), Disraeli (at Hughenden), the ballerina Pavlova (at Ivy House), Charles Darwin (at Down House), the poet John Keats (at Wentworth Place), and Sir Walter Raleigh (at Sherborne Castle).

Twin Towns and Biographies

The show continued to explore new themes, including the idea of 'twin towns' and detailed stories about famous lives.

Series 5: Twin Towns

In 1977, Peter Purves and Lesley Judd presented a series about 'twin towns'. These are cities or towns in different countries that have a special link or partnership. They visited pairs like Richmond and Fontainebleau, Coventry and Warsaw, Cambridge and Heidelberg, Bristol and Bordeaux, and Portsmouth and Haifa.

Series 6: Biographies

Peter Purves presented this series, which explored the lives of six important people from Italy, France, and England. He visited places connected to their stories. These biographies included:

• Marie Antoinette at Versailles
• Rudyard Kipling at Bateman's
• Saint Therese of Lisieux
• The Duke of Wellington at Stratford Saye
• The Brontë Sisters at Haworth
• Antonio Vivaldi in Venice

Rivers

The final series of Blue Peter Special Assignment was broadcast in 1981. It was presented by Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves, who took turns hosting episodes.

Series 7: Rivers

This last series focused on famous rivers around the world. Valerie Singleton explored the mighty Yukon River and the incredible Niagara River, home to the famous Niagara Falls. Peter Purves traveled along the River Tweed, which forms part of the border between Scotland and England. He also explored the Singapore River and the River Tamar, which is important to people in Devon and Cornwall.

Spin-off Books

Just like Blue Peter itself, Blue Peter Special Assignment also had spin-off books! These books covered the adventures from the first two series, letting viewers relive the journeys and learn even more.