Blue Peter pets first "Blue Peter" dog whose death was not mentioned on the programme. Barney is believed to be an Irish Setter/Dachshund cross and officially joined the "Blue Peter" team on 22 September 2009. He is the show's ninth dog. Barney is a former stray and was given to presenter Helen Skelton by the Dogs Trust. Barney left the show along with his owner Helen on 26 September 2013. The programme has had a long association with guide dogs, which stretches back to 1964 – captivating millions of viewers and helping to transform the lives of thousands of visually impaired people. The
John Leslie (TV presenter) first Scottish presenter, and also the tallest at 1.93 m (6'4"). He was the second "Blue Peter" presenter to take part in the London Marathon, following Peter Duncan. He finished in four hours, thirty-six minutes. On his last show he was set John's Final Challenge which involved abseiling down BBC Television Centre, completing a velcro and wheelbarrow obstacle course, then trampolining and conducting an orchestra in the studio. Leslie presented "Blue Peter" with Caron Keating, Yvette Fielding, Diane-Louise Jordan, Anthea Turner and Tim Vincent. Leslie succeeded Bradley Walsh as the main presenter of the British version of "Wheel of Fortune".