Valerie Singleton, the iconic former Blue Peter presenter, has admitted she is envious of Fiona Bruce's diverse television career. The 88-year-old broadcaster confessed she would love to host programmes like Antiques Roadshow and Fake or Fortune, and even pitched herself for a role on Countryfile.
Singleton, who spent over three decades at the BBC, began her career as a continuity announcer in 1961 before joining Blue Peter alongside John Noakes and Peter Purves. After leaving the children's show in 1975, she moved to current affairs programmes such as Nationwide, Tonight, The Money Programme, and Radio 4's PM.
Reflecting on her career, Singleton said she wished she had branched into factual entertainment like Bruce, who presents Question Time, Antiques Roadshow, and Fake or Fortune. 'I'm so envious of Fiona Bruce doing Antiques Roadshow. I'd love to do that and the programme she does on Fake or Fortune,' she said on The Peter Purves Podcast.
Singleton also recalled interviewing David Bowie, admitting she was not familiar with his music. 'I interviewed Bowie and I wasn't terribly into his music. I got back that night and said to a boyfriend 'What do you think?' and he said 'I think it came across that you didn't terribly know his music very well',' she said.
The former presenter, who never married, had a brief fling with co-host Peter Purves, describing it as 'impulsive and enjoyable'. She also feared a royal faux pas when accompanying Princess Anne on a safari in 1971, but the meeting went well.
