Episode 333

Valerie Singleton thrives on variety, which she finds in abundance on Blue Peter. Her assignments have taken her on whirlwind trips, from a day in Africa to a near-trip to Bangkok, and a quick jaunt to Boulogne, where she was described as "une jeune et jolie personne de 27 ans." "I can't bear things to be the same every day," she explains, preferring the unexpectedness of the job to her previous role as an announcer. Since joining the show in September 1962, Valerie has become a favorite among children. She has found that her wide interests—including riding, yachting, and skiing—often feature in her reports. She also enjoys crafts and has a great fondness for animals, especially Jason and Petra. A former actress, Valerie attended RADA before moving into TV plays and commercials. The opportunity to become an announcer presented a difficult choice, and she admits she "hankered after" acting for a long time. However, she clearly loves Blue Peter, and its audience loves her in return.