An ex Blue Peter editor has revealed a shocking secret that could ruin many a childhood.
Legendary programme editor Biddy Baxter has revealed how millions of young viewers were taken in by a stand-in pet dog - for 15 years. Baxter discloses in a new book how Blue Peter's first dog, Petra, was actually a lookalike replacement after the original dog died two days after its first, and only, appearance.
The replacement then spent the next 15 years on Blue Peter, becoming known to millions of children, and no-one ever realised the switch. She revealed: "It was the dog's first and last TV appearance. Two days later she died of distemper." She defended the decision by saying it would have been wrong to traumatise young viewers only days after they had been introduced to the dog. The replacement Petra became a popular figure on the show, remaining on screens until 1977, and giving birth to future BP pets such as Patch.
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