SACK FOR 'BLUE PETER' DRUG MAN

RICHARD Bacon, one of the presenters of BBC Television's Blue Peter, has
been sacked after he admitted taking cocaine.

His contract was terminated to protect the wholesome image of the
children's programme, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last week, a
BBC spokesman said last night. He is its first presenter to have had his
contract ended prematurely.

Lorraine Heggessey, head of BBC children's programmes, said the decision
had been taken after allegations that Bacon, 22, of Chiswick, west London,
snorted cocaine during a 12-hour drugs and alcohol session. She said: "It
is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let
himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down
the millions of children who watch Blue Peter.

"For 40 years, Blue Peter has been a force for good, providing positive
role models for children to follow and helping them to become responsible
and caring adults. It is vital that nothing tarnishes that reputation."

She said it had not been decided how to tell viewers when today's
pre-recorded show, which does not include Bacon, is broadcast. Bacon, who
joined the programme in February 1997, said in a statement: "I fully accept
and agree with the decision that has been taken. I regret what I did but it
was in my personal time and I therefore hope that it does not reflect on
the show. I am very grateful to Blue Peter for the opportunity it has given
me and am very sorry that I have let everybody down."

Born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, he started his career at BBC Radio
Nottingham before joining Blue Peter. He had impressed BBC bosses with a
likeable, easy-going manner during his audition, which included making a
Christmas card, bouncing on a trampoline and handling a snake. At the time,
he said: "I remember seeing Caron Keating filming Blue Peter when I was
with my family. I was about 10, but I had dreams that it would be me one
day. I couldn't believe it when I heard I had got the job."

The show's presenters have not been entirely free of scandal. In 1980, it
was revealed that Peter Duncan had once featured in a porn film. In 1985,
video footage of Michael Sundin emerged showing him dancing in his
underpants with a male stripper in a nightclub.

The revelations came three months after he had left the show but led to
revelations about his gay lifestyle. He died in 1989 at the age of 27. In
1987, controversy surrounded the news that another presenter, Janet Ellis,
was an unmarried mother.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski