Blue Peter ‘may be cancelled,’ according to reports.
The classic British show initially broadcast in 1958 and has since become ingrained in the DNA of British television, but the cherished children’s show is reported to be ‘an unhappy, sinking ship’ following the resignation of three hosts.
While 27-year-old broadcaster Mwaka ‘Mwaksy’ Mudenda declared her departure from Blue Peter last month, Richie Driss, 24, resigned in March, and Adam Beales, also 24, left in July 2022, Blue Peter lost three presenters in only 14 months.
There are also ‘fears for the show’s watching stats,’ with officials purportedly concerned that CBBC may fall behind sites like YouTube Kids.
MailOnline reports computer games are also seen as stiff competition.
A source told the outlet: ‘It’s all a bit concerning. It used to be the case that when there was an outgoing presenter a new one would be lined up straight away to take over. It was like they were passing on the Blue Peter baton.
‘But in recent years they’ve really struggled. The fact that they have yet to replace Mwaksy is very telling.’
They added: ‘Losing three presenters in 14 months has not been ideal. There’s a feeling among the crew that Blue Peter is a sinking ship, which is not a happy place to be.
‘It has been such an institution but Blue Peter hasn’t managed to keep up with the times and the magazine show format is tired.’
Mwaksy was named as Blue Peter’s 39th official presenter in 2020, entering the lineup while under lockdown.
‘There is only one word to describe being the new Blue Peter presenter and that is mind-blowing!,’ Mwaksy said at the time.
She added: ‘Despite lockdown, I’ve felt so welcomed by the incredible behind-the-scenes team that help run and deliver such a wonderful show – and I already feel like a big part of the Blue Peter family.’
It’s not the first time Blue Peter has made news recently; just this week, Yvette Fielding claimed that she was treated ‘horrifically’ on the show, prompting her to leave after only one year.
The now-55-year-old began the kids’ programme in 1987, when she was only 18 years old, making her the show’s youngest presenter.
Yvette stayed on Blue Peter for five years, but she wanted to quit after only a year.
Speaking this week, Yvette claimed on the podcast Celebrity Catch Up: Life After That Thing I Did: ‘The problem was that I was trying to please my boss so much, but my boss seemed to be – I don’t know why – just incredibly cruel.’
The Most Haunted presenter added: ‘It was a very, very hard time and I did resign.’
