Thomas quits Blue Peter

Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas is quitting the show after six years.

Thomas, 31, said he wanted to pursue fresh challenges.

The vicar’s son joined in January 1999 as a replacement for the disgraced Richard Bacon, who was sacked for taking cocaine.

By the time he leaves he will have presented more than 550 editions of the BBC children’s show.

“It was a tough decision to make because Blue Peter is a place where you get to fulfil your dreams – and I’ve certainly done that,” Thomas said.

“But six and a half years is a long time and I feel that now is the time to make way for someone new and to take on fresh challenges.”

He will present his last show on April 25 when the current series ends.

His highlights have included climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, freefall parachuting with the RAF, competing in the indoor athletics championships and sparring with Olympic boxing hero Amir Khan.

In 2001 he presented the Queen with a gold Blue Peter badge when she visited the studios.

Blue Peter editor Richard Marson said: “Simon will be a tough act to follow. He is a total professional with charm, authority and intelligence.

“He is one of the definitive presenters for his generation and Blue Peter viewers have shared in all his many triumphs and achievements. We wish him the very best for the future.”