Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon is to leave the BBC One children's show after three-and-a-half years. The 28-year-old will quit at the end of the current series in June when co-presenter Gethin Jones also says goodbye to the long-running programme. Law graduate Salmon, a former Miss Northern Ireland, has signed up to present a new gameshow on CBBC. "I've loved my time on Blue Peter and I've had experiences that I never dreamed I could have," she said. During her time on the show, Salmon has run the London Marathon, raced in a Formula One car, walked on fire, and trekked to the top of the UK's highest peaks. 'Highlight' Salmon said she will always "treasure" her Blue Peter Badge. She said: "[Blue Peter] has taken me to places I never thought I would see, from Japan to Iceland, introduced me to people I never dreamt I would meet, from the Queen to David Beckham, and quite literally gave me the opportunity to do things I never thought I would or could do. "Life on Blue Peter has been one continuous highlight. "I grew up watching the iconic show, it's been an incredible privilege and honour to have been part of the fantastic team and I will always treasure my Blue Peter Badge and memories." Blue Peter editor Tim Levell said Salmon had been a "fantastic presenter". "Whether she's been strapped to the outside of an aeroplane or had to learn a routine for High School Musical, she has thrown herself into the challenges we have given her with 110% dedication. And children absolutely love her." Blue Peter will celebrate its 50th anniversary in October 2008. |
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