Blue Peter Presenter Liz Barker to leave show in April - TV Programmes

Sooteries · 25-01-2006, 00:37

Liz Barker is in her sixth series with Blue Peter
Blue Peter presenter Liz Barker is to leave the long-running BBC children's programme in April.
Barker, 30, joined the show in June 2000. She was the first presenter to rejoin the show after becoming a mother following her son's birth in 2004.

"I've absolutely loved my time on the programme but now feels like the right time to say goodbye," she said.

Editor Richard Marson called her a "very special presenter". The programme will continue with four presenters.

Marson said: "She is completely natural and very caring. Audiences love her warmth and she has consistently surprised them - and herself - with her many achievements.

"Blue Peter has never been just a job or a career move for her. We are going to miss her very much and wish her the very best for the future."

Circus high-wire

Barker said she was planning to move her family from London to Cambridgeshire, where she grew up.

"Blue Peter is brilliant but it leaves no room for anything else and there's loads more I'd still love to achieve," she added.

Barker reported for Blue Peter from Vietnam, Morocco, Brazil, Austria, Greece, India and the US, and her adventures have included lawnmower racing, paragliding, walking a circus high-wire, and cleaning windows at London's Canary Wharf tower.

The show, which began in 1958, continues with regular presenters Konnie Huq, Matt Baker, Zoe Salmon and Gethin Jones.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4644052.stm

Inkblot · 25-01-2006, 08:37

Haven't watched Blue Peter for years but was interested to read the article in the Guardian about Zoe Salmon:

she pouts on screen, acts dumb when it comes to anything intelligent, wears skimpy, tight clothing and squeals and giggles in a "girly girl" way when she looks at something as terrifying as a spider. She rarely seems comfortable around children and talks to them in slow, patronising tones. She comes over as insincere and fatuous and my daughters don't like her any more than I do.

The article suggests that Ms Salmon was always after Liz Barker's job, so presumably she's got her way at last.

Sooteries · 25-01-2006, 17:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inkblot

The article suggests that Ms Salmon was always after Liz Barker's job, so presumably she's got her way at last.

I think Blue Peter was always meant for four presenters.
Remember Ms Salmon was brought in when Liz took time of to have her baby and when Simon Thomas left, they brought that new bloke in

Thiwibbib · 25-01-2006, 17:18

I occasionally catch in on BP every now and again, but enough to form an opinion of Zoe. I just can't stick her, the Guardian article is correct! So it's sad to see Liz go. I wonder when it'll be Konnie's time...hasn't she been there since '97?

WillowFae · 25-01-2006, 17:19

It used to only have 3.

n00b · 25-01-2006, 17:20

Oh no, I'm very upset with this news. Liz was by far my favourite presenter and it'll be very sad to see her go. I always thought she had good chemistry with Simon, Matt and Konnie and made the show very unique.

It's hard to imagine that she's been on Blue Peter for six series'.. I hope this is not the last we see of Liz Barker.

First Anna Ford, now Liz Barker, why are they all leaving us.

I'm not a big fan of Zoe and Gethin and have a feeling that either Matt or Konnie will leave soon.

James2001 · 25-01-2006, 17:34

I find it hard to believe that Konnie Huq is still there. She was presenting Blue Peter when I was watching it!

W.Scarlett · 25-01-2006, 18:15

Mmm it's a shame that Liz is leaving, I'd much rather see the back of Zoe (That Guardian article was bang on imo)

thecharmingman · 25-01-2006, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by James2001

I find it hard to believe that Konnie Huq is still there. She was presenting Blue Peter when I was watching it!

I was gonna post this! Isnt there a limit on how long you can present BP?

XxXPETEXxX · 25-01-2006, 19:30

Konnie's been there for almost 9 years, very long time

GonzoTheGreat · 25-01-2006, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by geekazoid79

I occasionally catch in on BP every now and again, but enough to form an opinion of Zoe. I just can't stick her, the Guardian article is correct! So it's sad to see Liz go. I wonder when it'll be Konnie's time...hasn't she been there since '97?

Konnies contract is actually up this year, and she did an interview with Asiana magazine (which didnt really go off that well - she had a probing journalist but didn't want to answer personal questions) and implied she'd be leaving this summer. However i guess they might have signed her up to another short term contract if they don't want another "Leaver" or have the viewers have to adapt to two new presenters coming into the show. I think Konnie may well be one of (if not THE) longest running presenters now, but the problem is probably more that the BBC don't really have much idea of what else to do with her. From her point of view, i can't see her getting loads of work from others if she leaves them so she's probably better off staying at BP for as long as she can, but its a heck of a long time.

W.Scarlett · 25-01-2006, 19:51

I don't think that there is a real chemistry between the current presenters, certainly not like the one you found with Konnie, Liz, Simon and Matt. None of them seem to like Zoe, apart from Gethin (bit of flirting). I thought Zoe was only supposed to be covering for Liz while she was off on maternity leave? I suppose it would have beena bit odd for her to leave when Liz came back.

performingmonk · 25-01-2006, 20:09

Yeah, Zoe seems a little harsh for the show and perhaps too much of a babe. She's great to look at but maybe not right for Blue Peter.

Jamfocus · 25-01-2006, 20:10

Shame Liz is leaving I always found her to be very likeable.

Konnie has been there a very long time now. She must be one of the longest running presenters in recent memory, I'm guessing she must really enjoy making the show. When she first joined for some reason I thought shne wouldn't stick around many years, I was very wrong.

Snapp · 25-01-2006, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by James2001

I find it hard to believe that Konnie Huq is still there. She was presenting Blue Peter when I was watching it!

Yes the same as me! Did she take over from Katy Hill?

Jamfocus · 25-01-2006, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapp

Yes the same as me! Did she take over from Katy Hill?

I think she was actually there when Katy Hill was there, although I could be wrong. She may have taken over from Romana?

Simon Jackson · 25-01-2006, 20:15

If she is leaving, Is there no new presenter. I thought Susie Dent from Countdown might be a replacement

Scrambling · 25-01-2006, 20:21

I met Matt, Zoe and Konnie. Matt was a top bloke, very friendly, offered autographs and chivvied Zoe and Konnie into posing for a photograph for my neice. He was very chatty (he approached us) and asked us loads of questions. He is lovely.

Blofeld · 25-01-2006, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapp

Yes the same as me! Did she take over from Katy Hill?

Konnie was there with Katy Hill, Richard Bacon and Stuart Miles.

She has been there for as long as I remember, although I did stop watching it for a time, so I missed her actual entrance to the show.

I think Liz Barker was seen as the replacement for Katy Hill.

Sfamato · 25-01-2006, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blofeld

Konnie was there with Katy Hill, Richard Bacon and Stuart Miles.

She has been there for as long as I remember, although I did stop watching it for a time, so I missed her actual entrance to the show.

I think Liz Barker was seen as the replacement for Katy Hill.

yeah Liz took over from Katy Hill.

Snapp · 25-01-2006, 20:32

Konnie of course was the one that explained Richard's departure, she was dating him too at the time IIRC.

Blofeld · 25-01-2006, 20:38

Surely there is not much else for Konnie to do on the show, she must have done her fair share of various activities by now, and has visited a lot of countries aswell.

James2001 · 25-01-2006, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by GonzoTheGreat

I think Konnie may well be one of (if not THE) longest running presenters now.

She is one of the longest, but not the longest. John Noakes was there 13 years (1965-78), Peter Purves 11 (1967-78) and Valerie Singleton for 10 years (1962-72).

Sooteries · 25-01-2006, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by James2001

She is one of the longest, but not the longest. John Noakes was there 13 years (1965-78), Peter Purves 11 (1967-78) and Valerie Singleton for 10 years (1962-72).

i think she wants to beat their record. Unlikely there will be another presenter in the future that could top their record.

bathlamp · 25-01-2006, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrambling

I met Matt, Zoe and Konnie. Matt was a top bloke, very friendly, offered autographs and chivvied Zoe and Konnie into posing for a photograph for my neice. He was very chatty (he approached us) and asked us loads of questions. He is lovely.

I know this might be a bit off topic but is Matt Baker related to Nick Baker the kids wildlife TV presenter? there does seem to be some resemblance between them.

25-01-2006, 00:37	#1
Sooteries Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Coleraine, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,180	Blue Peter Presenter Liz Barker to leave show in April Liz Barker is in her sixth series with Blue Peter Blue Peter presenter Liz Barker is to leave the long-running BBC children's programme in April. Barker, 30, joined the show in June 2000. She was the first presenter to rejoin the show after becoming a mother following her son's birth in 2004. "I've absolutely loved my time on the programme but now feels like the right time to say goodbye," she said. Editor Richard Marson called her a "very special presenter". The programme will continue with four presenters. Marson said: "She is completely natural and very caring. Audiences love her warmth and she has consistently surprised them - and herself - with her many achievements. "Blue Peter has never been just a job or a career move for her. We are going to miss her very much and wish her the very best for the future." Circus high-wire Barker said she was planning to move her family from London to Cambridgeshire, where she grew up. "Blue Peter is brilliant but it leaves no room for anything else and there's loads more I'd still love to achieve," she added. Barker reported for Blue Peter from Vietnam, Morocco, Brazil, Austria, Greece, India and the US, and her adventures have included lawnmower racing, paragliding, walking a circus high-wire, and cleaning windows at London's Canary Wharf tower. The show, which began in 1958, continues with regular presenters Konnie Huq, Matt Baker, Zoe Salmon and Gethin Jones. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4644052.stm

25-01-2006, 08:37	#2
Inkblot Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: West London Services: Sky+; ADSL; Apples'n'iPears Posts: 13,256	Haven't watched Blue Peter for years but was interested to read the article in the Guardian about Zoe Salmon: she pouts on screen, acts dumb when it comes to anything intelligent, wears skimpy, tight clothing and squeals and giggles in a "girly girl" way when she looks at something as terrifying as a spider. She rarely seems comfortable around children and talks to them in slow, patronising tones. She comes over as insincere and fatuous and my daughters don't like her any more than I do. The article suggests that Ms Salmon was always after Liz Barker's job, so presumably she's got her way at last.

25-01-2006, 17:18	#4
Thiwibbib Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 180	I occasionally catch in on BP every now and again, but enough to form an opinion of Zoe. I just can't stick her, the Guardian article is correct! So it's sad to see Liz go. I wonder when it'll be Konnie's time...hasn't she been there since '97?

25-01-2006, 17:19	#5
WillowFae Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Services: Sky+ HD Posts: 4,675 Blog Entries: 1	It used to only have 3.

25-01-2006, 17:20	#6
n00b Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,542	Oh no, I'm very upset with this news. Liz was by far my favourite presenter and it'll be very sad to see her go. I always thought she had good chemistry with Simon, Matt and Konnie and made the show very unique. It's hard to imagine that she's been on Blue Peter for six series'.. I hope this is not the last we see of Liz Barker. First Anna Ford, now Liz Barker, why are they all leaving us. I'm not a big fan of Zoe and Gethin and have a feeling that either Matt or Konnie will leave soon.

25-01-2006, 17:34	#7
James2001 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mansfield Services: Non-CWC NTL Home Digital v5.32, 128kbps broadband and Nokia Mediamaster FTA Posts: 18,834	I find it hard to believe that Konnie Huq is still there. She was presenting Blue Peter when I was watching it!

25-01-2006, 18:15	#8
W.Scarlett Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,100	Mmm it's a shame that Liz is leaving, I'd much rather see the back of Zoe (That Guardian article was bang on imo)

25-01-2006, 19:30	#10
XxXPETEXxX Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wisteria Lane Posts: 3,956	Konnie's been there for almost 9 years, very long time

25-01-2006, 19:51	#12
W.Scarlett Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,100	I don't think that there is a real chemistry between the current presenters, certainly not like the one you found with Konnie, Liz, Simon and Matt. None of them seem to like Zoe, apart from Gethin (bit of flirting). I thought Zoe was only supposed to be covering for Liz while she was off on maternity leave? I suppose it would have beena bit odd for her to leave when Liz came back.

25-01-2006, 20:09	#13
performingmonk Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 8,787	Yeah, Zoe seems a little harsh for the show and perhaps too much of a babe. She's great to look at but maybe not right for Blue Peter.

25-01-2006, 20:10	#14
Jamfocus Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,961	Shame Liz is leaving I always found her to be very likeable. Konnie has been there a very long time now. She must be one of the longest running presenters in recent memory, I'm guessing she must really enjoy making the show. When she first joined for some reason I thought shne wouldn't stick around many years, I was very wrong.

25-01-2006, 20:15	#17
Simon Jackson Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland Posts: 7,424	If she is leaving, Is there no new presenter. I thought Susie Dent from Countdown might be a replacement

25-01-2006, 20:21	#18
Scrambling Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 401	I met Matt, Zoe and Konnie. Matt was a top bloke, very friendly, offered autographs and chivvied Zoe and Konnie into posing for a photograph for my neice. He was very chatty (he approached us) and asked us loads of questions. He is lovely.

25-01-2006, 20:32	#21
Snapp Inactive Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,243	Konnie of course was the one that explained Richard's departure, she was dating him too at the time IIRC.

25-01-2006, 20:38	#22
Blofeld Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Schottland Services: Virgin XL, Xbox 360 Posts: 3,453	Surely there is not much else for Konnie to do on the show, she must have done her fair share of various activities by now, and has visited a lot of countries aswell.