BLUE Peter legend defies ageing after over two decades leaving the iconic show.
Katy Hill, 53, appeared on the CBBC show for five years from 1995 to 2000.
Katy was known for her daring stunts, and was even the first civilian to fly with the Red Arrows.
After her Blue Peter contract ended, Katy spent three years in LA with husband Trey Farley, 45, her co-host on the BBC Saturday morning kids’ show Alive and Kicking.
She flew back to do occasional TV ads before deciding to return full-time and now runs a personal development and coaching business called Limitless by Katy Hill.
As a lifestyle coach, she is often promoting her work on social media.
She runs her own business, where fans can sign up to her newsletter called The Limitless List, which provides “inspirational” quotes and uplifting messages.
The star also runs programmes, live groups and 1:1 coaching to support her members.
Her recent selfie with Fearne Cotton stunned fans as she doesn’t look like she has aged a day since her role as a TV presenter nearly 20 years ago.
She captioned the selfie: “SO much to share about the most magical weekend at @happyplaceofficial Festival at Tatton Park – and when I decompress I have SO much to share – but first, I want to make it all about THIS beautiful soul @fearnecotton!
“Fearne was brave enough to re-write the script on life and, as a result, we ALL get to benefit from her unique impact on the world!
“THANKYOU Fearne – from all of us – for creating such a magical space – and thankyou for trusting me to host the beautiful Talk Stage! When people make you smile SO big your eyes almost disappear (!) you KNOW that’s a genuine connection!
“Thankyou for listening to that inner knowing Fearne – we’re all SO grateful you did!”
Katy has been married to former Live and Kicking host Trey Farley, with whom she had two children, for over two decades, having previously tied the knot with childhood love Andrew Framptom from 1999 to 2001.
Back in 2021, Katy revealed she had suffered a horrific accident and was left scarred for life — after tripping over and head-butting the loo.
She showed off a huge scar on her head after an accident at home.
Christopher Trace: 16 October 1958 – 24 July 1967
Without Christopher Trace there would be no Blue Peter – pure and simple! Kicking the show off in 1958 his authoritative personality helped to define the programme.
Memorable moments: Training the puppy Petra, making the advent crown, running the Blue Peter model railway, trips to Basle, Nuremberg, Norway, Singapore and Borneo.
Leila Williams: 16 October 1958 – 8 January 1962
Originally beauty queen Leila had her heart set on an acting career, her and Chris quickly struck up a strong friendship.
Memorable moments: Presenting the very first Blue Peter and the very first make.
John Noakes: 30 December 1965- 26 June 1978
John Noakes was the longest serving presenter of all, he was 33 when he joined and 44 when he left, nearly 13 years later.
Memorable moments: Climbing HMS Ganges’ mast, setting a record for the highest civilian free fall parachute jump, cleaning Nelson’s column and his adorable relationship with Shep, the Blue Peter dog. Many remember John’s catchphrase being “Get down, Shep!”
Peter Purves: 16 November 1967 – 23 March 1978
Peter looked after Petra, Blue Peter’s first dog. He later said that announcing her death was one of the hardest things he ever had to do.
Memorable moments: Driving a car through the side of a furniture van and returning to the show in the year 2000 to open a time capsule he had buried on the show in 1971!
Christopher Wenner: 14 September 1978 – 23 June 1980
Chris had a list of talents to impress the Blue Peter team including, tennis, riding, swimming, rugby, long-distance and cross-country running, water skiing, sailing, and sub aqua. He also played chess, writes poetry, has learnt to sing, plays the guitar, trumpet, and piano! What a show off!
Memorable moments: Abseiling down East Tower at BBC Television Centre in London, and working as a steeplejack.
Mark Curry: 23 June 1986 – 26 June 1989
Mark was a huge hit with the viewers. He was well known for dressing up and bursting into song and dance at any opportunity. Everyone loves a sing song!
Memorable moments: Facing his vertigo climbing up British telecom telegraph poles, joining the stunt team and knocking the head off a lego man.
John Leslie: 20 April 1989 – 20 January 1994
John became Blue Peter’s first Scottish presenter and also the tallest at 6’4″. On 21st April 1991, John became the second Blue Peter presenter to take part in the London marathon. His final Blue Peter challenge involved him abseiling down the Television Centre, then completing a velcro and wheelbarrow obstacle course, followed by trampolining and conducting an orchestra in the studio – WOW!
Memorable moments: Bridge Swinging, conducting an orchestra, running the London marathon.
Diane–Louise Jordan: 25th January 1990 – 26th February 1996
Diane made history by becoming Blue Peter’s first ever black presenter. During her time on the show she was equally adept at reporting on both the lighter and more serious subjects – one very moving and memorable report featured Diane in Auschwitz.
Memorable moments: Rally driving, The Well Water Appeal, and her Norway icy dip.
Anthea Turner: 14 September 1992 – 27 June 1994
Anthea holds an important spot in Blue Peter history as queen of the crafts and the presenter to make the iconic Thunderbirds Tracy Island.
Memorable moments: Making Thunderbirds Tracy Island, being rescued from a ferris wheel and bonding with Bonnie the dog and starring together in Dog Agility at Olympia.
Katy Hill: 23 June 1995 – 19 June 2000
Katy was an instant hit with the viewers, with her laid back attitude and friendly charm. During her time with the show she fulfilled her other ambition to ride at the Horse of the Year Show. She was not scared of a challenge which she proved when she joined the Cirque de Soleil team.
Memorable moments: Flying with the red arrows, being dunked in the underwater Royal Navy helicopter escape exercise and interviewing the Spice Girls.
Konnie Huq: 1 December 1997 – 22 January 2008
Konnie is the longest running female Blue Peter presenter, having presented the show for an impressive 11 years! Her cheeky qualities made her popular with the audience.
Memorable moments: Visiting Bangladesh and speaking to members of her extended family who she had not seen for many years. Rally driving, walking on hot coals and power boat racing.
Matt Baker: 25 June 1999 – 26 June 2006
Matt had originally wanted to be a physiotherapist however his gymnastic background helped him in physical challenges, including training as a stuntman, and passing the recruitment courses for both the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment. He won two BAFTAs for Best Children’s Presenter two years in a row and a Royal Television Society award. He has continued on to a successful presenting career.
Memorable moments: Achieved a world tandem hand gliding record, looking after boarder collie Meg, and dancing with the pop groups, Steps.
Helen Skelton: 23 September 2008 – 26 September 2013
When it comes to challenges Helen was well and truly fearless! During her time she kayaked down the Amazon, completed the Namibian Ultra Marathon, and reached the South Pole on a bicycle!
Memorable moments: Walked across a high wire between the chimneys of Battersea power station. She also moved the show from its original home in London to its new studio in Salford.
Radzi Chinyanganya: 17 October 2013 – March 2019
Radzi’s up-beat and energetic presenting style has made him a popular presenter with the viewers. Facing all challenges with a smile and his signature happy dance, the 37th presenter has faced the largest man made climbing wall in the world, gymnastics and many other physical challenges.
Memorable moments: Freefall skydive challenge with the RAF Falcons and designing the 2018 Sport badge.
Richie Driss: May 2019 – March 2023
Richie is our lovable giant! Known for his love of pineapple on pizza and hatred of cheese (AND spiders) he’s energetic, positive and known for making all the cast and crew smile
Memorable moments: Richie sang a solo piece alongside The Kingdom Choir in his first-ever BP challenge. He’s also driven supercars, bungee jumped for Sport Relief and got very muddy with Henry the dog inn the Muddy Dog challenge!
Shini Muthukrishnan: January 2024 – Present
Shini is the 43rd Blue Peter presenter! Shini is from Stafford and loves celebrating her Indian and Malaysian heritage by wearing all things cultural, including bangles and bindis.
Shini loves adventures and sport, especially badminton which she played for Staffordshire county!
Katy’s accident occured when she was rushing her daughter to the bathroom and she tumbled after catching her shoe on a stair before “face-planting” the toilet, causing a deep two-inch gash.
She was then rushed to hospital, where she was given internal and external stitches for the injury.
She said her scar is her reminder to “live all out in life” — having feared “it was the end” as she waited for an ambulance.
The mum of two, who lives in Oxfordshire, said of the accident 18 months ago: “It was such a wake-up call. None of us knows how long we’ve got, so it’s not good enough to live a 50 per cent life.”
