The Sunday Post (Dundee)

When you weren’t in the studio live twice a week, you were away filming. It would not have worked with a baby

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It was just a four-year spell in a long career that has included acting, presenting and being a best-selling author.

But Janet Ellis will be forever known as a Blue Peter presenter – and she has no complaints.

“Look, I knew that was going to be the way of it even before I took the job,” said Janet, 62. “I was 27, already had a child and was aware I’d always be connected with it.

“But it was a nice job to get and I had a lovely time, so I don’t feel any need to say, ‘Don’t forget I also did...’

“I’m forever letting people stop me. They’re in their late 30s and early 40s and I like to think ‘my’ kids have turned out well.

“We all have our own presenters and my 10-year-old self would never believe I’m going to be on stage with Pete and Val.” Performing in Edinburgh was another big selling point for Janet, who was hooked after doing her first Fringe show six years ago.

“I’ve loved it ever since and it was like going back to my acting roots,” said Janet, who had parts in series like The Sweeney before joining Jigsaw and then Blue Peter.

“And I chair events at the Book Festival, which I’ll be doing this year again.”

Singer Sophie ElliisBext­or is Janet’s daughter with first husband Robin but they split while she was on the show and she fell for TV producer John Leach – they later married – and was pregnant with their son, Jackson.

There was a storm at the time about Janet being sacked as she was an unmarried mum and not a good role model, but she says that was never the case.

“Sophie was four when I started and eight when I left. It was hard enough doing the show with one child, doing it with two would have been hugely difficult.

“When you weren’t in the studio live twice a week you were away filming. It just wouldn’t have worked with a baby, so it was definitely my decision to go.”

Janet put her body on the line during her tenure, including a record-breaking freefall from 25,000ft.

“I recreated the films John Noakes had made and did about 35 jumps in all. The freefall was horrible, it never made any sense to me.

“I’m glad I did it as it was a chance to do something I was scared of but I had no desire to do it again.

“I actually broke my pelvis on jump 23. The instructor thought I’d just twisted something and they got me in my car and let me drive home. When I got there, though, it was so painful I couldn’t get out.”

Janet reckons a large part of the show’s enduring success is knowing its audience.

“If you’re watching as a nine-year-old it’s only ever talking to you. With all the attention from appreciati­on societies and universiti­es it would have been very tempting to give it an adult twist, but it’s never done that.

“That’s one of the reasons it’s still here 60 years on. It’s deeply loved and has a place in people’s hearts.”

 ??  ?? Five of the former Blue Peter presenters who will join Valerie Singleton in the play. Front, from left, Tim Vincent and Mark Curry. Back, from left, Peter Duncan, Janet Ellis and Peter Purves
Five of the former Blue Peter presenters who will join Valerie Singleton in the play. Front, from left, Tim Vincent and Mark Curry. Back, from left, Peter Duncan, Janet Ellis and Peter Purves
 ??  ?? Janet Ellis and friend on set
Janet Ellis and friend on set
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