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Matt Baker leaves Blue Peter for new waters
Matt Baker announced on today's Blue
Peter that he will be leaving the programme at the end of the current series later this month.
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Matt said: "It was a really tough decision because I love Blue Peter so much. There is no other job quite like it.
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"I have spent seven incredibly busy and happy
years on the programme but I'm an all-or-nothing person and I think
that now is the time to try some different challenges. I'd hate to
get stale on a show I feel so strongly about."
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Matt already has two projects lined up - a new C91Èȱ¬ series called Evacuation where
children experience life during the war in the Forties and as one of the celebrities
taking part in Sport Relief's Only Fools On Horses.
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He will also be presenting
the Blue Peter Prom at the end of July.
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Matt joined Blue Peter in June 1999 and since then he has presented more than 700 programmes and made more than 300 films.
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Among his many highlights are breaking a world
hang-gliding record, joining the cast of the West End hit Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang, high board diving, jousting, performing on the
circus trapeze, passing the gruelling Royal Marines' potential recruits
course and reporting from more than 20 countries all over the world.
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Viewers
also enjoyed the many adventures he shared with his sheepdog
Meg, who first appeared on Blue Peter as a puppy in 2001 and who
will leave the programme with Matt.
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Matt won the Bafta as Best Children's Presenter two years running in 2003 and 2004.
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Blue Peter Editor Richard Marson said: "Matt is one of the all-time great Blue Peter presenters.
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"His warmth, courage and personality come right
through the screen and audiences recognise the genuine article when
they see it.
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"He has worked incredibly hard throughout his long stint
on the show and although we're all going to miss him, no-one could
say he hasn't seized every single opportunity we've given him.
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"It
became a challenge for the team to find something he couldn't
do well - recently he has even been directing films for us. We wish
him all the very best for his future."
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Matt's last live show will transmit on Monday 26 June 2006 and there will be
a season of Matt and Meg specials to follow.
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Blue Peter will unveil Matt's replacement at the start of the next season in September.
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