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7 February 2011
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Classic TV: Blue PeterClassic TV: Blue Peter

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Classic TV | Blue Peter | Presenters
Christopher Trace

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16th October 1958 - 24th July 1967

Born: 21st March 1933
Died: 5th September 1992

Presented with
Leila Williams, Anita West, Valerie Singleton, John Noakes.

"Like all great presenters, Trace would have barely batted an eyelid had a bomb dropped on the studio... He had the authority of the professional, which gave the audience confidence and helped to build up a very special trust with viewers of all ages." Biddy Baxter

Christopher Trace tried a variety of jobs including farm labourer, before he joined the army. When he left the forces, he began working as an actor, the highpoint of that career coming when he played Charlton Heston's body double in Ben Hur. From this he moved into television and Blue Peter.

After nine glorious years he left for the new challenge of working as a writer and Production Manager for the film company Spectator. Sadly the venture was a disaster and Trace lost a lot of money. He then returned to television, working on East Anglia local programming and BBC's Nationwide. Later he turned his hand to radio, presenting BBC Norwich's breakfast show.

By 1978 he had retired from the world of television and radio and was a general manager of an engineering factory. On the day of Blue Peter's 20th anniversary edition the factory shut for the day so that the workforce could watch Trace's appearance.

Shortly before his death Trace returned to presenting, regularly guesting on Radio 2's Are You Sitting Comfortably, a nostalgic look at television and radio programmes of yesteryear.

Top Blue Peter moment: Launching the show and returning in 1978 to launch the Outstanding Endeavour Awards, much to the production teams' surprise.


Christopher Trace video clips
Video Early Years compilation
Video Introducing Jason

Blue Peter index | Presenter Index
 


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