Throughout the early years of his career, Peter Purves became one of the most famous faces of children’s TV as a presenter on Blue Peter. After joining in 1967, he fronted the show alongside his co-hosts John Noakes and Valerie Singleton, before becoming the longest-serving male presenter on Blue Peter.

Peter’s 11-year tenure also saw the infamous moment the programme transitioned from being aired live to the fully pre-recorded show it is today. However, away from the cameras, the now 86-year-old was embroiled in a highly publicised affair with Valerie during his marriage to stage playwright Gilly Fraser. Almost two decades after his former co-star first spoke out about their “brief fling,” Peter has finally addressed the claims.

In a recent interview, the TV star reflected on his 2009 memoir Here’s One I Made Earlier, where he admitted to having two affairs.

Peter admitted: “To be fair, it was only one night,” as he added: “And there was never any sexual tension on screen. We’ve remained great friends. Although we also used to fall out all the time.

“Val was/is extremely high maintenance; she always expected people to do things for her.”

The presenter told The Telegraph: “I like ladies, I don’t know. I went to boarding school [in Blackpool] and ladies were off limits. Maybe I’ve made up for lost time. Kate and I have been married for 42 years.

“I was married 17 years the first time; I’m hardly a wastrel. I don’t know the rumours.”

Addressing the fling, he added: “I am not being shy, but I feel it is disrespectful to Kate to go into this. I loved the 60s, the world seemed to be a much freer place.

“It was a time of great music, peace, and fantastic clothes which went on into the 70s and 80s – and I had a great time. I would only apologise if I ever offended anyone, but I hope I didn’t.”

This comes almost two decades after Valerie revealed they had a steamy drunken fling while on assignment with Blue Peter.

She stated: “It was one of those impulsive, enjoyable experiences – but more a friendship thing than anything else.

“Sleeping with people you work with is generally not advisable, so we didn’t want to pursue it. There was always an unspoken acknowledgement that something rather nice had happened,” Valerie added to The Telegraph.