Blue Peter Takes the Plunge: 25 Bungee Jumps for BBC Children in Need
Spot Something Familiar on Blue Peter?
If you tuned into Blue Peter at 5pm on Friday 14th November, you may have noticed a very recognisable crane towering over the action. That’s because the Blue Peter team joined UK Bungee Club at Salford Quays for a special Children in Need bungee challenge.
To mark 25 years of BBC Children in Need, the presenters tackled a fast-paced mission:
25 bungee jumps… completed against the clock.
We were delighted to support the BBC once again and to bring one of our flagship 160ft bungee experiences to national TV.
The full feature is available on BBC iPlayer - the bungee segment runs from 2:15 to 9:00.
Filming Day at Salford Quays
Filming took place on 26th October, right at the start of one of our normal event days. That meant our team were preparing customers, managing sign-ins, and coordinating jump flow, all while helping Blue Peter execute their 25-jump challenge live to camera.
The set-up involved:
- A 160ft crane bungee
- 25 total jumps to complete
- A timed challenge
- All carried out in support of Children in Need
The reality? Fast decisions, tight choreography, and zero room for error.
The Secret Twist
Presenter Shini Muthukrishnan arrived expecting a single charity jump.
What she didn’t know was that she was actually in for a 25-jump challenge. Our instructors had to keep the twist under wraps until the moment she returned to the landing zone.
After a few deep breaths - and a brief moment of hesitation - Shini took the first leap. Once safely back on the mats, she was handed the now-famous gold envelope, revealing the real task ahead.
With Shini understandably shocked, presenters Joel and Abby called in backup from former Blue Peter stars Radzi and Mwaksy. With four presenters sharing the remaining 24 jumps, the pace could be kept high despite the ticking clock.
What You Didn’t See on Camera
While viewers watched the countdown and the reactions, our crew were running a carefully controlled operation behind the scenes:
- Continuous safety and harnessing checks
- Verifying weight categories and rope selection
- Synchronising timing with the BBC production team
- Coordinating jump order to maintain the countdown
Back-to-back jumps always require concentration, but performing this many under strict time pressure, and making sure every jump works visually for TV, adds another layer of complexity.
Rain showers and gusty weather slowed things down at points, but with determination (and a lot of cheering), Shini completed the final jump and the challenge wrapped just in time.
Working Alongside Blue Peter, BBC, and Children In Need
We’ve supported BBC productions on several occasions, so collaborating with the Blue Peter crew felt like a natural fit. Our priority was to deliver a controlled, safe environment that also gave the film crew the freedom to capture dynamic footage.
UK Bungee Club is proud to continue supporting BBC Children in Need. From TV features to large charity bungee days, we love helping bring these campaigns to life and creating moments that generate both donations and unforgettable reactions. Check out this Live TV Children In Need abseil with our partner brand, Big Bang Experiences.
Specialists in Height-Based Filming & Challenges
The Blue Peter shoot represents a great example of what we deliver for media partners:
- Bungee, zip wires, abseils and height-based stunts
- Large volumes of jumps in tight timeframes
- Safe set-ups designed specifically for broadcast filming
- Reliable, professional crew experienced in working with production teams
Our aim is always the same: make the experience exciting on screen while ensuring the safety foundations remain rock-solid.
Thank You, Blue Peter!
A huge thank you to the Blue Peter presenters and crew for an energetic, memorable morning at Salford Quays, and for shining a spotlight on Children in Need in such an adventurous way.
Feeling inspired?
You can book the same 160ft bungee at Salford Quays, or contact us about bespoke height-based challenges for TV, brands, or charity partners.