Blue Peter will today announce a groundbreaking new venture as it launches a search for three "CBBC Intelligence Officers". The exciting new project will see the iconic CBBC brand collaborating with, and gaining unprecedented access to MI5, the Security Service.
Codenamed "Project Petra" (after one of Blue Peter’s best loved pets), the process will be open to children aged between eight and 14. Viewers can apply by downloading the application form from the Blue Peter website. The deadline for completed forms to be received is 12pm on Monday 2 February. From the application process, eight candidates will be selected to attend a special spy school where they will be tested on key observational and analytical skills over a weekend of tough challenges.
An expert panel, including children’s bestselling author Anthony Horowitz, will whittle the candidates down to a final three who will become official CBBC Intelligence Officers. These three lucky viewers can look forward to an experience of a lifetime, as they embark on an exclusive tour of MI5’s headquarters in London, Thames House. Their visit will be filmed by Blue Peter – the first time TV cameras are allowed into a usually top-secret building.
Anthony Horowitz says: "Children are fascinated by the world of spies and secret intelligence and so, for that matter, am I. I'm really thrilled to have been invited to join this top-secret panel - it's going to be a real adventure.”
CBBC Controller Cheryl Taylor says: “We're aware that children are fascinated by the mysterious world of intelligence and we're thrilled to be in a position to feed their passion for intrigue and adventure with this unique proposition. With MI5 and Anthony Horowitz on board, we know they will be awestruck by the expert credentials of our partners in this once-in-a-lifetime CBBC opportunity.”
Blue Peter editor Ewan Vinnicombe said: “Project Petra is one of the most exciting opportunities Blue Peter has ever given its audience. We’re always looking for new ways to help kids understand the world around them and join in with our content, and this is a brilliant example of how we can do this on the show, both for the kids taking part and the audience watching on TV and online."
Blue Peter is made by CBBC Productions, the in-house unit based in MediaCityUK in Salford, and can be seen every Thursday at 5.30pm on CBBC.