Now Blue Peter is in crisis as presenter Andy Akinwolere quits over move North

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Blue Peter has been plunged into crisis after presenter Andy Akinwolere quit over plans to move the show North while co-host Helen Skelton is locked in talks about her future.

Mr Akinwolere yesterday confirmed he is to leave the show this summer and a BBC spokeswoman said Miss Skelton was in discussions about remaining with the series.

The classic children’s programme, beloved by generations of viewers, is one of several relocating to the BBC’s new media centre in Salford, Greater Manchester in the autumn.

Sources told The Mail on Sunday that both stars were unhappy about proposals to move the show from West London but the BBC insisted this was not the reason for Mr Akinwolere’s departure.

A spokeswoman said: ‘Andy is leaving the show after five years because he felt it was the right time to move on. We are in discussions with Helen Skelton.’

Mr Akinwolere, 28, said: ‘I have had five fantastic years at Blue Peter. It’s the right time to embark on new presenting opportunities.’