Article: A golden era for Blue Peter; Television HERE'S one I made earlier ... Blue Peter is celebrating its 50th birthday this month and TV writer MARION McMULLEN celebrates the landmark date by digging out 50 fab facts about the long-running BBC show.(Features)

Byline: MARION McMULLEN

1 BLUE PETER first aired on October 16, 1958 and transmitted for just 15 minutes.

2 THE first presenters were Christopher Trace and Leila Williams. Christopher was a stand-in for Charlton Heston in blockbuster BenHur.

3 JOHN NOAKES collapsed in the studio due to exhaustion on May 17, 1976, and Lesley Judd had to take over.

4 THE 50th anniversary edition of the BBC1 show on October 16, will be programme number 4,406.

5 BLUE PETER is named after the blue and white flag hoisted when a ship is ready to set sail from port.

6 TV artist ...

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