Broadcasting Icon Valerie Singleton Expresses Career Envy Over Fiona Bruce's Diverse BBC Roles
Legendary television presenter Valerie Singleton has candidly admitted to feelings of professional envy when comparing her own distinguished career to the varied portfolio of fellow BBC star Fiona Bruce. The 88-year-old broadcasting veteran, best known for her iconic role on Blue Peter, revealed she wishes she had diversified beyond news and current affairs programming during her three-decade tenure at the BBC.
A Career Rooted in News and Current Affairs
Singleton's remarkable broadcasting journey began in 1961 when she joined the BBC as a continuity announcer. Within a year, she became a household name as part of the beloved Blue Peter presenting trio alongside John Noakes and Peter Purves, a role she held until 1975. Following her departure from the children's programme, her career took a decisive turn towards serious journalism.
She was swiftly recruited for the BBC current affairs magazine show Nationwide, before progressing to present the BBC's late-night news programme Tonight in 1978. Two years later, she accepted what she now humorously describes as "probably the daftest programme to accept" - an eight-year stint presenting The Money Programme, despite not considering herself mathematically gifted.
Her news credentials were further cemented by an almost eleven-year tenure on Radio 4's flagship news programme PM, which she presented until 1992. This impressive yet narrowly focused career path now leaves Singleton with professional regrets when she observes the diverse opportunities embraced by contemporaries.
Envy of Fiona Bruce's Programme Diversity
Speaking on The Peter Purves Podcast, Singleton expressed particular admiration for how Fiona Bruce, 61, has successfully branched out from her foundation as a BBC News presenter. Bruce has skillfully balanced serious political programming like Question Time with prime-time factual entertainment shows including Antiques Roadshow and Fake or Fortune.
"Looking back now, in a way, I stayed in current affairs and I think I would quite like to have moved to general features and done completely different programmes," Singleton confessed. "I'm so envious of Fiona Bruce doing Antiques Roadshow. I'd love to do that and I'd love to do the programme she does on Fake or Fortune."
She revealed her personal interest in art history, having completed an art course, and suggested her current country living would make her well-suited for programmes like Countryfile. "I wouldn't mind doing a few little Countryfiles, but there you go," she added with apparent resignation about missed opportunities.
Memorable Encounters and Royal Adventures
Throughout her distinguished career, Singleton interviewed numerous high-profile figures ranging from Princess Anne and Tony Blair to music legends Tina Turner and all four members of ABBA. However, she admits one interview didn't showcase her at her best - her encounter with the iconic David Bowie.
"I interviewed Bowie and I wasn't terribly into his music," she recalled. "I got back that night and said to a boyfriend 'What do you think?' and he said 'I think it came across that you didn't terribly know his music very well'." Despite this, she noted the singer remained gracious throughout their interaction.
One particularly memorable assignment saw Singleton accompany Princess Anne on a 1971 safari to Kenya to film the royal's work with the Save The Children Fund. The trip resulted in a minor royal protocol mishap when Singleton instinctively waved to press photographers as they boarded their plane, while the princess initially refrained.
"For a couple of moments the princess didn't wave and then she did," Singleton remembered. "When we were in Nairobi, there were the Sunday papers, and Val is waving and the princess isn't waving and it says 'Valerie Singleton takes over the royal gesture of farewell'." Fortunately, the incident was quickly forgotten as the trip proceeded successfully.
Personal Life and Professional Reflections
Before her television career, Singleton trained as a dancer and studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for two years. Her early acting work included a role in the 1959 BBC sitcom The Adventures of Brigadier Wellington-Bull.
In her personal life, Singleton never married or had children but had significant relationships including one with actor Albert Finney. She also once revealed a brief romantic encounter with Blue Peter co-host Peter Purves, describing it as "impulsive and enjoyable" but noting they decided not to pursue it further to maintain their professional relationship and friendship.
Now reflecting on her career from her home in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Singleton's comments reveal the complex emotions many professionals experience when looking back on career paths not taken. While proud of her substantial contributions to British broadcasting, she clearly wonders what might have been had she embraced the same programme diversity as contemporaries like Fiona Bruce.
