Blue Peter has broadcast its last show from its long time home at BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane.

The show marked its farewell by breaking the world record for the most people to hula-hoop simultaneously in the central courtyard of Television Centre, which has been nicknamed the Doughnut.

A Guinness World Records official confirmed a new record had been set after 426 people managed to simultaneously dance with hula hoops for two minutes - beating the previous record of 326.

After its summer break, Blue Peter will be broadcast from new studios in Salford in Manchester. The Blue Peter garden, which up till now has been at the back of the centre, will be moved to the roof of the new studios.

Former presenters Diane-Louise Jordan and Anthea Turner returned for the final London show to participate in the world record hula hooping challenge.

Presenter Helen Skelton explained to viewers the show was "leaving home" from its London studios, adding it meant "we have to say goodbye to some very dear friends".

"The crew here are some of the nicest and best in the business and they've made some really magical moments in TV centre," she said.

Last month the BBC confirmed that its Television Centre in Wood Lane in Shepherd's Bush had been put up for sale,  promising to leave "no stone unturned" searching for a buyer for the iconic 51 year-old building, which it hopes will achieve a price of £300 million.

Staff at the BBC were informed of the decision in an email from Chief Operating Officer Caroline Thomson, which announced that the centre is now officially on the market.

She added: " We are seeking expressions of interest for either a conventional, freehold property sale or, to demonstrate the potential for the site, we have worked up an option to investigate opportunities for redeveloping Television Centre as a joint venture.

" This could preserve the key listed elements of the iconic building but also afford the opportunity to create a commercial and visitor destination, bringing together business and leisure activities on one site. "

Some BBC staff are now in the process of moving to MediaCityUK in Salford while BBC News will relocate to Broadcasting House close to Oxford Circus. But Ms Thomson pointed out: " It is important to remember that any agreed sale will not mean the immediate vacating of the premises - we anticipate that the site will not be totally empty until 2014 or 2015."

 

June 15, 2011