Magpie was a British children's television programme that aired on ITV from 1968 to 1980. It was created as a more youthful and pop-culture-focused alternative to the BBC's Blue Peter. The show featured a magazine-style format, covering topics like music, fashion, and current events, aiming to appeal to a broader audience.
The programme was named Magpie as a reference to the bird’s habit of collecting small items, symbolizing the show's diverse content. It was originally hosted by Pete Brady, Susan Stranks, and Tony Bastable, with later presenters including Mick Robertson, Jenny Hanley, and Tommy Boyd. Unlike Blue Peter, Magpie encouraged cash donations for charity appeals rather than stamps or secondhand goods.
The show's theme tune was based on the nursery rhyme One for Sorrow, performed by The Murgatroyd Band. Magpie was known for its unscripted and spontaneous presentation style, making it feel more relaxed and informal compared to its BBC counterpart.
