Valerie Singleton OBE

Renowned Television Host of The BBC’s ‘Blue Peter’, Presenter of BBC Radio 4’s PM Programme, The Subject of ‘This Is Your Life’ & Awarded an OBE

Valerie Singleton’s Biography:

Valerie Singleton is a British broadcaster, journalist and television presenter best known as one of the iconic presenters of BBC children’s programme Blue Peter. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British broadcasting, Valerie enjoyed a career spanning television, radio, journalism and factual programming across several decades. Known for her warmth, professionalism and versatility, she became one of the BBC’s most recognisable and respected presenters.

Valerie joined Blue Peter in 1962 and remained with the programme until 1972, becoming one of its most beloved presenters during the show’s golden era. Her popularity on Blue Peter helped establish her as a household name and led to wider opportunities across the BBC. During this period, she also hosted programmes including On the Sunny Side of the Street for the BBC Light Programme and worked as a reporter on BBC2’s Time Out, demonstrating her versatility across radio and television broadcasting.

Following her success in children’s television, Valerie transitioned into mainstream current affairs and factual broadcasting. She became co-anchor of Nationwide’s royal wedding coverage in 1973 and later presented programmes including Tonight, Tonight in Town and BBC2’s The Money Programme, which she fronted for eight years. In 1982, Valerie began a decade-long stint presenting BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, cementing her reputation as one of Britain’s most trusted broadcasters. Alongside journalism and current affairs, she also appeared in drama and entertainment programming, including The Adventures of Brigadier Wellington-Bull and Noel’s House Party.

Beyond broadcasting, Valerie has also worked as a travel writer for national publications and fronted documentaries and factual series, including Playback for the History Channel and Can I Improve My Memory? for Channel 4. She was the subject of This Is Your Life in 2001 and later appeared as a castaway on Desert Island Discs. Awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting, Valerie remains one of the most respected and pioneering female broadcasters in British television history.

Why Hire Valerie Singleton?

Valerie is hired as a speaker and event host for her extraordinary experience across television, radio and journalism spanning more than five decades. Having fronted some of the BBC’s most iconic programmes, she brings warmth, intelligence and outstanding live presentation skills to every appearance.

Awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and recognised as one of the defining presenters of Blue Peter, Valerie combines humour, storytelling and behind-the-scenes insight from decades in British media. Her talks cover broadcasting, journalism, women in television and the evolution of British media, making her an exceptional choice for conferences, awards ceremonies and corporate events.

Valerie Singleton’s Career Highlights:

Below are some of Valerie Singleton’s most notable career milestones:

• 2001 – Became the subject of the television programme This Is Your Life.
• 1994 – Appeared as a castaway on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.
• 1982 – Began a ten-year run presenting BBC Radio 4’s PM programme.
• 1980 – Started presenting BBC2’s The Money Programme remaining with the series until 1988.
• 1973 – Co-anchored Nationwide’s royal wedding coverage for the BBC.
• 1973 – Presented a BBC special programme explaining metrication in the United Kingdom.
• 1972 – Concluded her decade-long run as presenter of BBC’s Blue Peter.
• 1964 – Became a reporter on BBC2 current affairs programme Time Out.
• 1963 – Hosted On the Sunny Side of the Street for the BBC Light Programme.
• 1962 – Joined BBC children’s television programme Blue Peter as a presenter.