Simon Groom was one of Blue Peter's most famous presenters, so what did he get up to after leaving the children's favourite?
Who could forget Simon Groom and his beloved dog Goldie on Blue Peter? Simon became one of the iconic children show’s best loved presenters, chalking up eight years on Blue Peter, from 15th May 1978 to 23rd June 1986.
On his very first day Simon was placed in charge of Goldie, a seven week old golden retriever puppy, who viewers instantly fell in love with. And Goldie was soon having her own puppies...
Simon was known for having a mischievous sense of humour and once caused a bit of a stir by describing Durham Cathedral as having a “beautiful pair of knockers”. He struck up a great relationship with his co-presenters, including Blue Peter legends Peter Duncan, Sarah Greene and Janet Ellis.
So what did Simon do after he left Blue Peter in 1986?
He was a DJ!
Simon did a spot of DJ-ing before Blue Peter under the stage name Neil St John and originally wanted to be a DJ before getting his big TV break. And after leaving Blue Peter he used his DJ skills again on BBC Radio Sheffield, presenting Groom’s Gold, which was described as “two hours of great music and nostalgia to brighten up your weekend”.
Stars reunited…
Back in 2003, a certain Dale Winton got Simon, Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan back together for a documentary, Stars Reunited. Simon told Dale that nevermind not having any TV experience when he landed the Blue Peter job, he didn’t even own a telly! Growing up on a farm, the only telly Simon had got to watch was at his gran’s , where he saw the Adventures of Robin Hood and Take Your Pick.
The Weakest Link…
Simon popped up as a guest on an episode of The Weakest Link in 2013 and he also appeared on Pointless Celebrities in 2014. He has also worked behind the camera, including acting as a producer on a BBC2 documentary called The Flying Scotsman: A Rail Romance in 2013 - it was also shown on BBC4 in 2017.
What is he up to now?
Simon, 67, continues to work in broadcasting and now runs his own TV production company. He also spent time looking after a smallholding with a flock of pedigree sheep.
Main Simon Groom pic: Tony Weaver/ANL/REX/Shutterstock, Goldie's puppies pic: Mike Hollist/ANL/REX/Shutterstock
