Blue Peter's George the Tortoise Laid to Rest


He relieved himself on a guest live on air, never uttered a word to camera and once went missing for a fortnight - but generations of devoted young fans will today mourn the death of one of TV's most popular faces.

George the tortoise, who succumbed to old age last week, firmly established himself in the affections of millions of Blue Peter viewers over 22 years and will be buried in the programme's famous garden during a special tribute show to be screened tonight.

The Mediterranean spur-thigh tortoise, who first appeared in 1982, worked alongside 20 presenters and consistently won more fan mail than any of his illustrious colleagues.

Originally called Pork Pie, viewers renamed him George after he was offered to the show by the then Blue Peter pet keeper Edith Menezes following changes to legislation governing the sale of the animals.

Whilst viewers will fondly recall the annual shows devoted to his hibernation, the tortoise will be best remembered for his part in two celebrated gaffes.

Host Mark Curry marked his first day in the role in 1986 by striding into the Blue Peter studio and stepping on the pet, sending him spinning across the floor.

Guest Kris Akabusi later had an unwelcome introduction to the animal, who urinated on the former 400m hurdler during a broadcast.

Blue Peter editor Richard Marson confirmed that the pet, thought to have been more than 80 years old, will be laid to rest by the current presenting team under a memorial plaque and shrub.

He said: "George was very popular with several generations of Blue Peter viewers and we will all really miss him.

"Requests for his photo card have often exceeded those for some presenters and we'll be sending them out to any viewer who wants a memento of a much-loved pet.''

The tortoise's career was almost cut short in 1988, when burglars let him out of his pen during a bungled robbery attempt at the home of his owner.

It was suspected George had been stolen, but it later emerged that the animal had simply strayed out of a garden, crawling three miles in 14 days.

As the production team feared the worst, a tribute film was broadcast about his life on Blue Peter - but the next day a woman walking her dog found him hidden in undergrowth.

George made his final TV appearance on April 14, alongside new tortoise Shelley, the fifth in the programme's 46-year-history.

Presenter Matt Baker said: "It is a real shock when a favourite pet dies but it is something all pet owners have to face.

"We hope that by having a share in our Blue Peter pets, children can be helped to deal with that sad fact.''

Tortoise lovers have also paid tribute to George and said his screen appearances have helped millions of children learn how to properly care for the animals.

Sandra Kay, chairwoman of the British Tortoise Society, said: "It's a terrible shame that George has died but without a doubt he has helped to get generations of children interested in tortoises.

"The best thing about him being on the programme has been that they have really shown kids how to care for the animals and how to properly bring them out of hibernation.

"We do roadshows across the country and every time we arrive with our tortoises, at least one child will always mention George. They all loved him and he definitely became a celebrity.''