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Stuart Miles
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Stuart Miles (born 20 February 1969)[1] is a British radio and television presenter, who has worked on the children's programme Blue Peter.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Miles studied at Bournemouth University where he developed an interest in college radio, followed by a stint on hospital radio.[2]
Stuart Miles gained his TV break working as a journalist for a local Cable TV station covering news and events in South London.[3] From 1993 to 1994, Miles presented Saturday Disney, which led to him joining Blue Peter on 27 June 1994; some of his most memorable moments included joining the RAF Falcons display team and starring in various Blue Peter pantomimes. His last appearance was on 21 June 1999.
Miles controversially decided to leave Blue Peter after declaring that it was 'out of touch' with the then-current generation of children and needed to be modernized, and was frustrated at not being selected for its newly-vacant job of Programme Editor; he also felt that the sacking of co-presenter Richard Bacon had not been handled well.[4][5] Stuart presented with Diane-Louise Jordan, Tim Vincent, Katy Hill, Romana D'Annunzio, Richard Bacon, Konnie Huq and Simon Thomas.
Since leaving Blue Peter, Miles has guest-presented such programmes as This Morning, Holiday, and Soap Fever, and took part in When Blue Peter Became ABBA. He has also directed various programmes, and regularly appears in pantomime.
In 2007, Stuart presented on Sky Vegas, an interactive gambling television channel, and started regularly performing his drag act, as a character called Stella Ratner.[6][7]
I've never made any secret of my sexuality. Sexual frustration can be a powerful thing. I should know after five years on Blue Peter, where you're expected to be like Action Man – smooth all over with no genitals.
— Stuart Miles, News of the World, 11 November 2007
In January 2008, Stuart joined Gaydar Radio, replacing Sam Vangeen in its lunchtime Your Choice Requests show.[2][8]
In 2008, Stuart took his live drag stand-up comedy show, "The Adventures of Pink Peter", to the Edinburgh Fringe festival.[9]
On 26 April 2010, it was announced that Stuart would be the new Heart 96.6 (Northants) breakfast presenter, along with Natalie Besbrode (Natalie B), starting on 4 May, followed by the reformed Heart Home Counties which started on 16 July. Between February 2015 and July 2017 he co-presented "Heart Breakfast" with his former Blue Peter colleague Katy Hill.[10]
He is also the regular stand in for Andy Collins on the breakfast show on BBC Three Counties Radio.[citation needed]
Credits
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Production | Broadcast Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–1994 | Saturday Disney | Presenter | GMTV | |
| 1994–1999 | Blue Peter | Presenter | BBC | |
| 1995 | Schofield's Quest | Presenter | LWT | 3 December 1995 |
| 1996 | To Me, To You! | Himself | BBC | 19 July 1996 |
| 1998 | Dennis the Menace: The Competition | Himself (voice) | BBC | 13 February 1998 |
| 1999 | This Morning | Presenter | Granada Television | 17 February 1999 |
| 1999 | Holidaymaker | Presenter | Meridian Broadcasting | August–September 1999 |
| 2000 | The Phone Zone | Director | UK Play | |
| 2000 | This Morning | Presenter | Granada Television | 19 April 2000 |
| 2001 | Lily Savage's Blankety Blank | Himself | Grundy Productions | 14 January 2001[11] |
| 2004 | Simply the Best | Himself | Carlton Television | 21 August 2004 |
| 2005 | When Blue Peter became ABBA | Himself/Benny | RDF Media | 20 September 2005 |
| 2008 | Your Choice Requests | Presenter/DJ | Gaydar Radio | 2 January 2008 – 25 April 2010 |
| 2010 | Breakfast | Presenter | Heart Four Counties | 4 May 2010 – 21 July 2017 |
| 2017 | Drive Time | Presenter | Sam FM | 19 June 2017 – Present[citation needed] |
Footnotes
[edit]- ^ a b "I Love Blue Peter – Stuart Miles presenter biography". BBC. Retrieved 26 June 2009.
- ^ a b Burston, Paul (23 January 2008). "Find Out About Gaydar Radio for London's Gay and Lesbian Community As Time Out London Interviews Its New DJ and Ex-'Blue Peter' Presenter Stuart Miles". Timeout. Archived from the original on 1 February 2008. Retrieved 24 January 2008.
- ^ Miles, Stuart. "Stuart Miles". stuartmiles.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 January 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
- ^ BBC News, 8 February 1999, Quoted as saying "The show needs to tackle subjects like divorce, or bullying, or eating disorders, or drugs."
- ^ Ahmed, Kamal (8 February 1999). "Quitting presenter says Blue Peter is out of touch". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
- ^ Reported on his website stuartmiles.co.uk Archived 24 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine and listed in Timeout, November 2007, performing fortnightly in Stella's Cellar at Barcode Archived 3 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine, a Soho gay bar [1].
- ^ "One gay Blue Peter host, some lippy and a frock – all you need to make your own Fringe show". Scotsman News. Retrieved 22 June 2008.
- ^ Plunkett, John (19 December 2007). "Ex-Blue Peter host to join Gaydar Radio". The Guardian. London.
- ^ Taylor, Jerome (23 June 2008). "'Blue Peter' goes pink in cross-dressing Fringe show". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
- ^ "Stuart and Katy to exit Heart Four Counties". Radio Today. 20 July 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
- ^ "Series 1, Episode 2". Lily Savage's Blankety Blank. 14 January 2001. ITV1. Repeated 22 August 2016 on Challenge.
External links
[edit]- Stuart Miles at IMDb
Stuart Miles
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Stuart Miles (born 20 February 1969) is a British radio and television presenter, best known for his tenure on the BBC children's programme Blue Peter from 27 June 1994 to 21 June 1999.[1]
After studying at Bournemouth University and gaining experience in college and hospital radio, Miles began his television career as a journalist at a South London cable TV station. He presented Saturday Disney for ITV from 1993 to 1994 before joining Blue Peter, where he became one of the longest-serving presenters during his five-year stint. Following Blue Peter, he guest-presented shows such as This Morning and Holiday, directed television programmes, and performed in pantomimes. In 2007, he started a drag act as Stella Ratner, performing at events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with shows like The Adventures of Pink Peter in 2008.[1][2]
Miles has had a notable radio career, joining Gaydar Radio in 2008 and serving as breakfast presenter at Heart 96.6 and Heart Home Counties from 2010 to 2017, often alongside former Blue Peter co-presenter Katy Hill. He later presented drive time on Sam FM starting in 2017. Openly gay, Miles has spoken publicly about his sexuality and experiences in media.[3][4]
As of July 2025, aged 56, Miles continues as a professional speaker for Great British Speakers and performs in drag at festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, where he reflected on his Blue Peter exit, citing the show's "out of touch" direction at the time.[5][6]
Early life
Childhood and family
Stuart Miles was born on 20 February 1969 in the United Kingdom.[7][5] Public information regarding his family background and childhood remains limited, with few details available about his upbringing or familial influences.[8] It is known that he grew up during a time when British television and radio programming were highly influential in shaping young interests, though specific personal exposures or family encouragements toward creativity and performance have not been widely documented in credible sources.Education and initial interests
Stuart Miles attended Bournemouth University for three years, where he studied Communication and Media Production. This degree program provided him with foundational training in broadcasting, production techniques, and media storytelling, igniting his early enthusiasm for on-air work and content creation.[2][9] During his university studies, Miles honed his presenting abilities through coursework focused on practical media projects, which helped cultivate his interest in television and radio as mediums for engaging audiences. His academic experience emphasized hands-on involvement in media environments, laying the groundwork for his future professional endeavors in the industry.[10]Broadcasting career
Early roles in media
Miles' entry into professional media came in the early 1990s when he secured his first television role as a journalist for a local cable television station in South London, where he reported on news and local events.[2] Building on his prior experience as a researcher and reporter for BBC Radio 4, he transitioned into presenting a nightly news programme on cable television starting in 1992, honing his on-camera skills in a community-focused broadcast environment.[1] This local work paved the way for his national debut in 1993 as a co-presenter on ITV's Saturday Disney, a Saturday morning children's programme produced by GMTV that aired from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m..[2] Alongside co-host Carmen Ejogo, Miles' responsibilities included introducing Disney cartoons, leading interactive games, conducting interviews with celebrities and young audience members, and engaging viewers through live segments designed to entertain families.[11] The show quickly gained popularity among young audiences, with Miles noted for his energetic style and natural rapport, establishing him as an "instant hit" and attracting attention from major broadcasters.[1] His progression from grassroots cable reporting to a prominent role in national children's programming underscored the practical experience he gained in audience engagement and live presentation, skills that proved instrumental in his subsequent career advancements.[2]Blue Peter tenure (1994–1999)
Stuart Miles joined Blue Peter as a presenter on 27 June 1994, replacing Anthea Turner (who left the same day) and joining Diane-Louise Jordan and Tim Vincent on the presenting team.[1] His arrival marked a fresh dynamic for the long-running children's programme, with Miles quickly establishing himself through his energetic and approachable style.[12] Over the course of his five-year tenure, which lasted until 21 June 1999, he co-presented with an evolving lineup including Katy Hill, Romana D'Annunzio, Konnie Huq, and Simon Thomas, contributing to the show's continued appeal during the 1990s.[1] Miles' role encompassed a wide range of segments that blended education, adventure, and entertainment, often leading features on animals and outdoor challenges to engage young viewers. One notable highlight was his participation in a segment where he learned to communicate with chimpanzees using sign language, showcasing interactive animal education that captivated audiences.[12] He also undertook daring physical feats, such as parachuting with the RAF Falcons display team and completing a death slide across the River Avon, which exemplified the programme's tradition of adventurous content designed to inspire curiosity and resilience in children.[12] These segments, along with everyday studio activities like cooking demonstrations, helped maintain Blue Peter's reputation for accessible learning, with Miles often serving as the enthusiastic host who bridged complex topics to relatable experiences.[1] A significant aspect of Miles' tenure involved spearheading charity appeals that mobilized viewers for global causes, particularly through innovative recycling and fundraising initiatives. In 1996, he played a key role in the Blue Peter appeal for Lepra, promoting "Bring and Buy Sales" packs made from recycled materials like sticky-backed plastic and washing-up bottles, which raised £2.8 million to support leprosy treatment and awareness.[13] Miles traveled to Brazil and India to film segments demonstrating the curability of leprosy and the barriers to access, educating viewers on health issues in developing regions.[13] His involvement extended to the 1998 appeal for recycling aluminum cans and foil, further emphasizing environmental education tied to philanthropy.[14] In 1999, just before departing, Miles opened the Blue Peter Health and Research Centre in Hyderabad, India, a facility funded by the Lepra appeal that has since aided nearly 4 million people in leprosy care and research.[13] As the longest-serving presenter during this period, Miles helped drive Blue Peter's popularity, with episodes regularly attracting 3-4 million viewers and earning badges for viewer participation in crafts and appeals under his watch.[13] His contributions, including a starring role as Joseph in the 1998 pantomime special "Back in Time for Christmas"—a time-travel musical featuring past presenters—added festive, creative highlights that reinforced the show's cultural impact on 1990s children's television.[1][12]Post-Blue Peter television work
After leaving Blue Peter in 1999, Stuart Miles leveraged his established profile to take on guest presenting roles on several British television programs in the late 1990s and early 2000s.[1] He appeared as a guest presenter on ITV's This Morning, contributing to lifestyle and entertainment segments during this period.[1] Similarly, Miles guest-hosted episodes of the travel program Holiday, sharing insights on destinations and viewer tips.[1] He also featured on Soap Fever, a quiz show focused on soap operas, where he engaged audiences with trivia and discussions.[1] Miles began transitioning from on-screen presenting to behind-the-scenes roles, marking a shift toward production and directing in educational and interactive programming. In 2000, he directed The Phone Zone, an ITV children's phone-in show that encouraged viewer interaction on various topics.[1] This move allowed him to explore creative aspects of television beyond hosting, focusing on content structure and live elements in youth-oriented formats. By 2007, Miles had ventured into adult-targeted content with a presenting role on Sky Vegas, an interactive gambling television channel where he hosted segments promoting games and viewer participation.[15] This stint represented a departure from his earlier family-friendly work, aligning with evolving opportunities in commercial broadcasting.Radio presenting career
Miles transitioned to radio presenting following his television career, seeking greater variety in his broadcasting roles. In January 2008, he joined Gaydar Radio, a digital station aimed at LGBTQ+ audiences, where he hosted the weekday lunchtime program Your Choice Requests from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring listener requests alongside entertainment segments and news updates tailored to the station's demographic.[4][16] In May 2010, Miles launched the breakfast show on Heart Northamptonshire (broadcasting on 96.6 FM), co-hosting with Natalie B from the program's inception on May 4, delivering a mix of music, local news, traffic reports, and interactive listener content to energize morning audiences across the region.[17] The show expanded following the July 2010 merger of Heart Northamptonshire with stations in Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire to form Heart Four Counties, incorporating broader regional coverage while maintaining a focus on engaging commuters with format adjustments for enhanced local relevance. In February 2015, former Blue Peter colleague Katy Hill joined as co-host, refreshing the dynamic with their shared history; the duo's program emphasized upbeat music, celebrity interviews, community spotlights, and audience participation, such as phone-ins and on-air competitions, fostering strong listener loyalty over the next two and a half years.[18][19] Miles and Hill departed the Heart Four Counties breakfast show in July 2017 as part of the station's shift toward centralized programming.[20] Subsequently, Miles has taken on stand-in roles at BBC Three Counties Radio, regularly covering for breakfast presenter Andy Collins with episodes featuring music, local conversations, news, and holiday specials, including broadcasts in 2021 and continuing as a regular stand-in as of 2025.[21][2]Other professional activities
Performing arts and drag
Following his departure from children's television, Stuart Miles expanded into performing arts, particularly drag performance, where he created and embodied the character of Stella Ratner, a flamboyant high-street fashionista. He began regularly performing this drag act in 2007, bringing a campy, humorous persona to stages across the UK.[22][23] Miles further developed his drag work with the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival production The Adventures of Pink Peter, a one-man comedy show that satirized his Blue Peter tenure through exaggerated female characters and self-deprecating sketches. In the show, Miles portrayed four personas: Stella Ratner as the over-the-top style icon; Annette Curtan, a meddlesome charity fundraiser; Dr. Noreen McAvity, a bungling cosmetic surgeon; and Vera Singleton, the fictional elderly holder of the oldest Blue Peter badge, imagined as the sister of longtime presenter Valerie Singleton. The narrative centered on these characters' chaotic interactions, incorporating sexually charged innuendos and light-hearted jabs at his former colleagues and the wholesome image of the program, all while Miles transformed onstage with quick costume changes.[24][25] The production received mixed critical reviews, praised for its bold use of Miles' past but criticized for relying heavily on visual gags and outfits rather than sharp writing. Reviewers described the humor as uneven, with some sketches falling flat despite the performer's energy, though it was noted for its unapologetic camp and willingness to subvert his family-friendly legacy.[23][26] In parallel with his drag pursuits, Miles appeared in British pantomime productions at UK regional theatres following the end of his Blue Peter stint, contributing to the tradition of comedic family entertainment through supporting roles.[27]Charity involvement and public speaking
Stuart Miles has maintained a long-term affiliation with Lepra, a charity focused on combating leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, stemming from his time on Blue Peter where he participated in high-profile appeals, including the 1996 Bring and Buy Appeal that raised significant funds and became one of the show's most successful fundraising efforts.[28] In 1999, he officially opened Lepra's Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre in Hyderabad, India, which combines scientific research with community health initiatives.[29] Following a return visit to the centre in 2018, Miles became an official ambassador for Lepra, helping to launch the £1 from You appeal to support preventive care and treatment programs.[28] His ambassadorship continued into 2025, with Lepra recognizing his contributions during the centre's 25th anniversary celebrations in December 2024.[29][30] In addition to his charitable work, Miles has established himself as a public speaker, represented by agencies such as Great British Speakers, where he draws on his extensive media experience to deliver talks on topics including media careers, children's television, and LGBTQ+ issues.[2] His presentations often reflect on his journey in broadcasting, emphasizing the evolution of children's programming from his Blue Peter days in the 1990s.[2] On LGBTQ+ matters, Miles has shared personal insights, notably in a 2018 school speech where he expressed regret over not serving as a more visible role model for young gay individuals during his early career.[31] These engagements position him as a motivational figure for aspiring media professionals and advocates for inclusivity in entertainment. Miles' recent activities from 2024 to 2025 have remained low-profile, focusing on sustained support for Lepra through his ambassador role and occasional social media reflections on his past charitable endeavors, without pursuing high-visibility comebacks in broadcasting.[32] He has occasionally referenced his drag performances in fundraising contexts to raise awareness for causes like those supported by Lepra.[5]Legacy and personal life
Impact on technology journalism
Stuart Miles has significantly influenced consumer technology journalism through his foundational role in Pocket-lint, which he established in 2003 with a £15 budget and grew into a globally recognized platform for gadget reviews, news, and emerging tech coverage.[33] The site reached millions of monthly users, featured AI-powered international editions in languages including Portuguese, Spanish, French, and German, and hosted annual Pocket-lint Awards that honored innovations such as the iPhone 6 as Gadget of the Year in 2014.[34][35] Miles authored thousands of articles and conducted interviews with prominent figures like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Tim Cook, shaping public discourse on technologies from smartphones to electric vehicles.[36] His leadership culminated in the 2022 sale of Pocket-lint to Valnet Inc., marking a successful exit after nearly two decades.[37] Following this, Miles founded The Gear Loop in 2022, another tech publication, and Squirrel, an e-commerce tool for publishers' affiliate monetization, extending his impact on digital media innovation.[38][39] In recognition of his contributions, he became a BAFTA member in 2019.[40]Personal life and sexuality
Little public information is available about Stuart Miles' personal life as of November 2025. He has chosen to keep details of his family, relationships, and sexuality private, focusing public attention on his professional endeavors. Miles is also involved in stock photography, contributing technology-themed images to platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.[41]Credits
Television credits
Stuart Miles began his television career as a presenter on children's programming before transitioning to guest roles and specialized shows in the early 2000s.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–1994 | Saturday Disney | Presenter | Children's entertainment show on ITV, marking his early breakthrough in TV presenting. | IMDb BBC |
| 1994–1999 | Blue Peter | Presenter | Long-running BBC children's magazine program; served for five years, co-presenting with Tim Vincent, Katy Hill, and others, appearing in over 200 episodes. | BBC The Guardian |
| 1999–2000s | This Morning | Guest Presenter/Reporter | Occasional reporting and presenting segments on the ITV daytime show, including travel and lifestyle features. | BBC Mirror Great British Speakers |
| 1999–2000s | Holiday | Guest Presenter | Contributed to episodes of the BBC travel series, focusing on holiday destinations and tips. | BBC Mirror |
| 2005 | When Blue Peter Became ABBA | Himself/Benny | Television special recreating ABBA performances with Blue Peter presenters. | Wikipedia |
| 2007 | Sky Vegas | Presenter | Regular host on the interactive gambling television channel operated by Sky. | Mirror |