16th November 1967- 23rd March 1978

Born: 10th February 1939

Presented with Valerie Singleton, John Noakes and Lesley Judd.

"It's just the best job there is. You can't do any other job where you just drop into anybody's life."

Peter Purves was an actor before his stint on Blue Peter, making his stage debut as a member of the Barrow-in-Furness Rep. Turning professional, he appeared in television shows like Dixon of Dock Green, The Saint and Z-Cars.

It was this work that brought him to the attention of a director working on Doctor Who. Deemed too good to play a giant butterfly in The Web Planet, he was eventually cast as the companion Steven Taylor (opposite William Hartnell's First Doctor).

Peter Purves originally intended to join the Blue Peter team for just six months, in a break between acting jobs. But his on-screen chemistry with Val and, in particular, John would ensure that he stayed much longer.

After leaving Blue Peter, Peter continued to present Special Assignments. He then went on to present Kick Start, Stopwatch and the BBC's Crufts dog show coverage. His love of dogs extends to his home life - he has two Pekinese and a Newfoundland and he is also Vice Patron of the Dogs for the Disabled charity.

Peter Purves has directed over twenty-five pantomimes and he is a popular after dinner speaker.

Top Blue Peter moment: Climbing the Forth Bridge.

For more information about Peter Purves visit his website.