0:00:00 > 0:00:00BLUE PETER CBC F160X/01 BRD000000
6:29:55 > 6:29:59It was a cold spooky night when I turned on the telly to find
6:29:59 > 6:30:02there was nothing to watch and all of a sudden...
6:30:02 > 6:30:04Linds, there is Blue Planet II coming up and Max and Harvey's
6:30:04 > 6:30:06- My Life.- Yeah, I know, Radz.
6:30:06 > 6:30:09I was just trying to tell a spooky story for Halloween.
6:30:09 > 6:30:11And all of a sudden out of nowhere...
6:30:11 > 6:30:15And don't forget right now is live Blue Peter!
6:30:15 > 6:30:16Just roll the titles.
6:30:34 > 6:30:36- Hello!- Hello! Welcome to Blue Peter
6:30:36 > 6:30:40and boy do we have a few treats for you today - just like these.
6:30:40 > 6:30:42Feast your eyes on a papier-mache pumpkin and I am going
6:30:42 > 6:30:45to be getting help from online sensations Max and Harvey.
6:30:45 > 6:30:49As well as that, Radz I'll up you because not papier-mache,
6:30:49 > 6:30:53it's a giant real pumpkin. I went to check some out at a pumpkin farm.
6:30:53 > 6:30:57And I'm going to up you again, Linds, because that right there is
6:30:57 > 6:31:01the Redoncasaurus Rex Children in Need challenge called Freefall.
6:31:01 > 6:31:03- Look at my face. - Look at your floppy face.
6:31:03 > 6:31:06As well as that, we're going to be playing... He's doing the
6:31:06 > 6:31:08happy dance... We'll be playing Spot Shelley.
6:31:08 > 6:31:10Check it out, she will be hiding somewhere in the show
6:31:10 > 6:31:13and she has got into the Halloween spirit and dressed up today.
6:31:13 > 6:31:16She has come as a tortoise.
6:31:16 > 6:31:18She has observed a loophole and exploited it.
6:31:18 > 6:31:21Not her best outfit but if you spot her let us know.
6:31:21 > 6:31:24Now, you may be aware if you have been watching any telly
6:31:24 > 6:31:27lately there is something very special coming to BBC One.
6:31:27 > 6:31:28Check this out.
6:31:52 > 6:31:55It is, of course, the stunningly beautiful Blue Planet II
6:31:55 > 6:31:59and we're joined now by two people that worked on the series -
6:31:59 > 6:32:00please welcome Dan and Rachel!
6:32:00 > 6:32:02APPLAUSE
6:32:02 > 6:32:05Guys, I'm so excited to have you in the studio today.
6:32:05 > 6:32:08Blue Planet is the biggest underwater
6:32:08 > 6:32:11wildlife documentary ever.
6:32:11 > 6:32:12Which is an amazing fact
6:32:12 > 6:32:15so how does it feel to have been a part of that show?
6:32:15 > 6:32:16Absolutely amazing.
6:32:16 > 6:32:19Dan and I were teenagers when we watched the original
6:32:19 > 6:32:21so to be part of the new one is a dream come true.
6:32:21 > 6:32:23Yeah, making this series has been a massive team effort with
6:32:23 > 6:32:26hundreds of people involved. We worked out the series was
6:32:26 > 6:32:30filmed in almost 40 countries and over 6,000 hours were spent
6:32:30 > 6:32:33underwater to get all the footage we need to make all the episodes.
6:32:33 > 6:32:36Hang on! Everyone watching is thinking, 6,000 hours
6:32:36 > 6:32:40because I spent half an hour in a shark tank and that felt like a lot.
6:32:40 > 6:32:44So why do so many hours and so much time going to a series like this?
6:32:44 > 6:32:46Well, the oceans are big,
6:32:46 > 6:32:49they cover over 70% of the world's surface and we have to spend a long
6:32:49 > 6:32:53time out there to get this amazing behaviour, get the animals used to
6:32:53 > 6:32:56us and spend time with them to catch them doing these amazing things.
6:32:56 > 6:33:01Of course. Some of us may remember that 16 years ago the first Blue
6:33:01 > 6:33:04Planet came out so it is quite a long time to wait for a sequel.
6:33:04 > 6:33:06Why now?
6:33:06 > 6:33:08We wanted to show new things, we wanted to film things that
6:33:08 > 6:33:12had never been filmed before and so we worked with scientists all around
6:33:12 > 6:33:15the world and found some amazing things like the giant trevally.
6:33:15 > 6:33:18- It leaps out of the water to catch birds.- Wow!
6:33:18 > 6:33:22And we also found a little fish on the Great Barrier Reef called
6:33:22 > 6:33:26Percy and he uses tools in his kitchen to break open clams.
6:33:26 > 6:33:30That is absolutely incredible. I suppose the last few years as well,
6:33:30 > 6:33:34the cameras you're using have really developed, haven't they?
6:33:34 > 6:33:35Yeah, absolutely.
6:33:35 > 6:33:37Look at the way technology moves all the time and that's happening
6:33:37 > 6:33:40with cameras as well so everything the camera is doing these days
6:33:40 > 6:33:42we couldn't have done 20 years ago.
6:33:42 > 6:33:45And you have brought something very cool along.
6:33:45 > 6:33:47Yes, this is a very wicked bit of equipment here.
6:33:47 > 6:33:49This is a suction tag
6:33:49 > 6:33:53and scientists have been using these all around the world already to
6:33:53 > 6:33:56study big animals and they record all kinds of information
6:33:56 > 6:33:59like depth and temperature and light but they also have a little
6:33:59 > 6:34:02camera on the front so we wanted a whale's eye view of the ocean.
6:34:02 > 6:34:06So, you stick it onto the animals and they do the filming for you?
6:34:06 > 6:34:08We have a clip here, it is
6:34:08 > 6:34:12of a turtle swimming along. Look at that.
6:34:12 > 6:34:15Beautiful, the shots that you can get and on the back of a whale.
6:34:15 > 6:34:16It is unbelievable really.
6:34:16 > 6:34:20Absolutely and it is literally stuck on with a little suction cups
6:34:20 > 6:34:24and so a few hours later it pops up and it has loads of scientific
6:34:24 > 6:34:27- data and hopefully some cool videos as well.- Unbelievable.
6:34:27 > 6:34:30A little bit bigger than that camera you may have noticed is this
6:34:30 > 6:34:35huge one. This is called the mega dome. It is like a superhero camera.
6:34:35 > 6:34:36What exactly does it do?
6:34:36 > 6:34:39This is a very special lens that was made for the series and it floats
6:34:39 > 6:34:43at the surface and allows us to film half in and half out of the water.
6:34:43 > 6:34:46We can see someone using it there. Is it not heavy?
6:34:46 > 6:34:49It is heavy on land but once it is in the water it is nice
6:34:49 > 6:34:54- and buoyant so not too difficult to use.- A walrus on an iceberg.
6:34:54 > 6:34:55It's just beautiful.
6:34:55 > 6:34:57It was a little bit sad filming up in the Arctic because
6:34:57 > 6:35:00we were expecting to find lots and lots of sea ice,
6:35:00 > 6:35:03but instead all the sea ice has gone because of climate change,
6:35:03 > 6:35:0640% less sea ice than just 30 years ago
6:35:06 > 6:35:09so they're clinging onto little bits of icebergs that are left.
6:35:09 > 6:35:11- It is quite sad.- It is really heartbreaking.
6:35:11 > 6:35:15Well, hopefully Blue Planet II will raise awareness of their plight.
6:35:15 > 6:35:19In the meantime, I am very excited because we got to test out
6:35:19 > 6:35:22this bit of equipment, we went to the coral reef...
6:35:22 > 6:35:25No, we went to Salford Quays, you plonked me the water!
6:35:25 > 6:35:26Have a look at this.
6:35:33 > 6:35:36So, the last person to actually do a piece to camera to this
6:35:36 > 6:35:40camera was Sir David Attenborough himself and now it is my turn.
6:35:40 > 6:35:44OK, guys. You ready, Dan? I am only going to do this once. Here we go.
6:35:56 > 6:36:01Oh, my goodness. How cool does this look. All with a blue Peter badge.
6:36:02 > 6:36:07Whoo! Can I get out now, I am freezing? Get me back to the studio!
6:36:07 > 6:36:09Cheers, Dan.
6:36:09 > 6:36:12I feel like I mimicked the walrus quite well there.
6:36:12 > 6:36:15Guys, thank you so much for coming in and plonking me in Salford Quays.
6:36:15 > 6:36:18I loved it and loved using this equipment.
6:36:18 > 6:36:21Sunday, 8pm Blue Planet II. Dan and Rachel, everyone!
6:36:21 > 6:36:24Thank you.
6:36:24 > 6:36:27So, from the seas to the skies, I can't believe I'm finally
6:36:27 > 6:36:29saying this, I have waited months!
6:36:29 > 6:36:32It is my biggest and best Blue Peter challenge ever and here comes
6:36:32 > 6:36:35part one and it's all for Children in Need.
6:36:35 > 6:36:36- Watch and enjoy.- Breathe!
6:36:50 > 6:36:52- OK, are you ready to skydive?- Yes!
6:37:07 > 6:37:12Of the incredible challenges Blue Peter has ever taken on,
6:37:12 > 6:37:15there is one I have always dreamt of.
6:37:18 > 6:37:23Wow! A challenge that was first attempted more than 50 years ago.
6:37:23 > 6:37:28This is John Noakes, the first Blue Peter presenter to ever do it.
6:37:28 > 6:37:32Green for go. Suddenly all my training made sense.
6:37:32 > 6:37:37I found I was enjoying flashing through the air at 120mph.
6:37:37 > 6:37:40I'm sure Janet broke her pelvis when she was training.
6:37:40 > 6:37:43I had become the first woman in Britain to freefall
6:37:43 > 6:37:46over 16,000 feet.
6:37:46 > 6:37:50Simon is one of the reasons I wanted to become a Blue Peter presenter.
6:37:50 > 6:37:51I don't want to do this.
6:37:51 > 6:37:55I remember exactly how I felt watching this.
6:37:57 > 6:37:59Wow.
6:37:59 > 6:38:01Here we go! One, two!
6:38:01 > 6:38:03He is absolutely loving that.
6:38:05 > 6:38:08Makes me realise just how big a challenge this really is.
6:38:10 > 6:38:15For this year's Children in Need, I am taking on skydiving.
6:38:15 > 6:38:19And I'm doing it with a group who are quite simply legendary.
6:38:22 > 6:38:26The RAF Falcons are one of the most iconic parachute display
6:38:26 > 6:38:30teams in the entire world.
6:38:30 > 6:38:35For years they have wowed crowds with their skill and bravery.
6:38:35 > 6:38:39And in that time they have taught generations of Blue Peter
6:38:39 > 6:38:43presenters, creating a unique history.
6:38:44 > 6:38:48Now I am attempting to write the next chapter in that story
6:38:48 > 6:38:52and perform a skydive routine with the Falcons.
6:38:52 > 6:38:56I am actually going to do that, it has really brought it home.
6:38:56 > 6:39:00For Children in Need, join me as I freefall.
6:39:07 > 6:39:12My training begins at their base - RAF Brize Norton.
6:39:12 > 6:39:15This is going to be tough.
6:39:15 > 6:39:21Skydiving puts a huge strain on both the mind and body.
6:39:21 > 6:39:24If I'm going to join the Falcons, first they need me
6:39:24 > 6:39:26to pass a medical.
6:39:28 > 6:39:31I have no concerns and I'm very happy for you to go
6:39:31 > 6:39:34- and do this jump course with the Falcons.- Amazing.
6:39:34 > 6:39:38To train to become a Falcon takes years, together
6:39:38 > 6:39:42they have performed thousands of jumps, I have just weeks.
6:39:42 > 6:39:47Under the guidance of Corporal Alex Williams and Sergeant Mark O'Brien,
6:39:47 > 6:39:50I need to complete two days of intensive ground training.
6:39:54 > 6:39:57OK, then, Radzi. Obviously, first element of your ground training.
6:39:57 > 6:40:00We're going to introduce you to the parachute you're going to be
6:40:00 > 6:40:01- jumping.- Amazing.- All right?
6:40:01 > 6:40:04You've got a reserve parachute, which is on top,
6:40:04 > 6:40:06and your main parachute, which is on the bottom.
6:40:06 > 6:40:07Now, this one cable runs
6:40:07 > 6:40:10to what we call the base of container toggle.
6:40:10 > 6:40:14This is what you are going to pull to get your parachute off your back.
6:40:14 > 6:40:16Is that right?
6:40:16 > 6:40:19Skydiving is incredibly stressful,
6:40:19 > 6:40:22so I need to know the parachute inside out.
6:40:23 > 6:40:25That is going to save your life.
6:40:25 > 6:40:26That is a good thing.
6:40:26 > 6:40:29Next, how to jump out of the plane.
6:40:29 > 6:40:31Put your left foot forward.
6:40:31 > 6:40:33Right foot back, knees nice and flexed.
6:40:33 > 6:40:36OK. So, you're going to have to squat down a little bit. OK.
6:40:37 > 6:40:40In the calm, relaxed training hall,
6:40:40 > 6:40:43they want it to become instinct for me.
6:40:43 > 6:40:45So we practice again...
6:40:46 > 6:40:47High on hips!
6:40:47 > 6:40:48..again,
6:40:48 > 6:40:49Hard arch!
6:40:49 > 6:40:50..and again.
6:40:50 > 6:40:53- Check in.- OK.- Check out.- OK.
6:40:58 > 6:41:02Every single jump has a series of actions that I have to remember.
6:41:03 > 6:41:07My brain is currently somewhere between...
6:41:07 > 6:41:09..fried and scrambled.
6:41:09 > 6:41:10So we repeat them all.
6:41:10 > 6:41:12The landing.
6:41:14 > 6:41:16Controlling my speed.
6:41:16 > 6:41:19You'll hear the wind going into your helmet.
6:41:19 > 6:41:21It's like a - whooosh! - sort of noise.
6:41:21 > 6:41:23As soon is you lift up, everything goes really quiet
6:41:23 > 6:41:26and what to do if the worst happens
6:41:26 > 6:41:28and something goes wrong.
6:41:28 > 6:41:30Cut away.
6:41:30 > 6:41:31Pull reserve.
6:41:31 > 6:41:34Arch, 1,000, 2,000,
6:41:34 > 6:41:373,000, 4,000.
6:41:37 > 6:41:38Check.
6:41:38 > 6:41:40Canopy.
6:41:40 > 6:41:42It's overwhelming.
6:41:42 > 6:41:44But I know what these guys are teaching me
6:41:44 > 6:41:46is designed to keep me safe.
6:41:48 > 6:41:53I'm trying to make everything sink in and I think, I hope,
6:41:53 > 6:41:55it all is.
6:41:55 > 6:41:57I've concentrated so hard.
6:41:58 > 6:42:01And I think I'm making progress.
6:42:01 > 6:42:04But I've no actual idea of what it's going to be like to skydive.
6:42:06 > 6:42:10And, if I'm honest, I don't actually know if I've got what it takes.
6:42:13 > 6:42:15My next lesson is body position.
6:42:15 > 6:42:18Get your chin up for me so you're looking onto the horizon.
6:42:18 > 6:42:21Your arms are going to be a little bit more forward
6:42:21 > 6:42:25with your legs bending the knee. OK. About 45 degrees.
6:42:25 > 6:42:27Your toes are going to be pointed in that position there.
6:42:27 > 6:42:29After jumping from the plane,
6:42:29 > 6:42:34I'll be falling for thousands of feet before I release my parachute.
6:42:34 > 6:42:36This is called freefalling.
6:42:36 > 6:42:40In freefall, the position of my body is how I control my speed
6:42:40 > 6:42:43and direction.
6:42:43 > 6:42:46Were going to repeat it a couple of times to get your muscle memory,
6:42:46 > 6:42:49so you're feeling that position. One more time then.
6:42:49 > 6:42:50We're going through it again. Off we go.
6:42:52 > 6:42:55And just down the road there's the perfect place to practise.
6:42:58 > 6:43:03We're going to one of the largest indoor skydiving tunnels in Europe.
6:43:03 > 6:43:07I've been here before, when Lindsey and I went head-to-head.
6:43:07 > 6:43:09But, this time, it's serious.
6:43:09 > 6:43:11The Falcons want me to practise
6:43:11 > 6:43:13controlling my flight through the air.
6:43:16 > 6:43:19Instantly, I can feel their training has paid off
6:43:19 > 6:43:23and I'm manage to complete a full turn on my first attempt.
6:43:23 > 6:43:24So happy with that!
6:43:25 > 6:43:29This time, we're going to really concentrate on going up and down.
6:43:29 > 6:43:33OK. So, when you go up, look down, arms come out.
6:43:33 > 6:43:37The slightest move with my arms or legs has a huge effect.
6:43:38 > 6:43:41I need to show I have control.
6:43:41 > 6:43:43In just a few weeks, I could be doing this,
6:43:43 > 6:43:47falling from a plane at 120mph!
6:43:49 > 6:43:51- How's it feel?- Awesome!- Good.
6:43:51 > 6:43:53- Let's get back in.- Amazing.- Go!
6:43:55 > 6:43:58Thankfully, the Falcons are happy for me to progress
6:43:58 > 6:43:59to the next stage.
6:44:00 > 6:44:01That is so good.
6:44:01 > 6:44:04For this amount of time that you've had, to be able to do that.
6:44:04 > 6:44:07The control is really really good.
6:44:07 > 6:44:11The RAF Falcons are saying, "Radzi, you're doing a good job."
6:44:11 > 6:44:13That meant the absolute world to me.
6:44:13 > 6:44:17And, they said, that if I enjoyed that, which I did,
6:44:17 > 6:44:21I'm going to absolutely love the real deal.
6:44:21 > 6:44:22So...
6:44:22 > 6:44:24I can not wait!
6:44:27 > 6:44:30But standing in my way is the weather.
6:44:30 > 6:44:34It's too cloudy for me to safely train in the UK.
6:44:34 > 6:44:38So, I'm joining the Falcons at their winter training camp.
6:44:38 > 6:44:40In America!
6:44:41 > 6:44:46I travel to California, where conditions are usually perfect,
6:44:46 > 6:44:50to attempt to take on my first-ever solo skydive.
6:44:52 > 6:44:54I mean, what could possibly go wrong?
6:44:55 > 6:45:00A particularly drastic storm which has hit the US state of California.
6:45:00 > 6:45:01This is a powerful storm...
6:45:01 > 6:45:04The sky is now filled with clouds.
6:45:04 > 6:45:05The news doesn't look so good.
6:45:05 > 6:45:07It's probably quite dangerous for you to jump today.
6:45:07 > 6:45:09I don't even know if the challenge is on.
6:45:12 > 6:45:15So, I know you're thinking, do I actually jump out of a plane?
6:45:15 > 6:45:19That is why you will have to watch part two which happens next week.
6:45:19 > 6:45:22The journey continues and it does not disappoint. I guarantee that.
6:45:22 > 6:45:25I'm doing that to inspire you to do your thing for Children in Need.
6:45:25 > 6:45:28How do you do that? Easy. Print out and download this form here.
6:45:28 > 6:45:31Cut out and decorate the parachute. Cut out the pledge bit.
6:45:31 > 6:45:34Stick that on the back and then send it in to us, please.
6:45:34 > 6:45:36Someone who's done just that is Bethany,
6:45:36 > 6:45:37she's seven, from Swindon.
6:45:37 > 6:45:40She says "I'm doing the walk wearing Pudsey ears
6:45:40 > 6:45:42"and I'm walking two miles."
6:45:42 > 6:45:45- Yeah! You are!- Bethany, well done. Yes! The crowd love it.
6:45:45 > 6:45:49- There's Swindon. Boom!- Done.- It's on there.- I've got a deal for you.
6:45:49 > 6:45:52You send us in a parachute, we'll put a spot on this map.
6:45:52 > 6:45:53We want it to be filled.
6:45:53 > 6:45:56We want England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland,
6:45:56 > 6:45:57to be filled, please, people.
6:45:59 > 6:46:01- Strictly, Radzi? - No, Linds, what's the closing time?
6:46:01 > 6:46:04I was getting excited for the next bit of news.
6:46:04 > 6:46:06Trying to besmirch my good name and my memory.
6:46:06 > 6:46:08That's the address you need.
6:46:08 > 6:46:09Now, got some more big news for you.
6:46:09 > 6:46:12- I wonder what it is!- So...
6:46:12 > 6:46:15Imagine this, the Children in Need special on BBC1.
6:46:15 > 6:46:17Myself and five former Blue Peter presenters
6:46:17 > 6:46:20will be going on a Blue Peter Strictly special.
6:46:20 > 6:46:22CHEERING
6:46:22 > 6:46:25- Yes, we are.- I didn't see it coming. - Transition us.
6:46:25 > 6:46:28You are going to have to cha-cha-cha this way to the big wall.
6:46:28 > 6:46:30- Let's do it.- Yes!
6:46:30 > 6:46:32My name is Cha-cha-cha Chinyanganya!
6:46:32 > 6:46:35- I look more like MC Hammer. - We're joined by two little helpers.
6:46:35 > 6:46:37- It's Max and Harvey! - CHEERING
6:46:37 > 6:46:42So, boys, no instruction required. 13 million online viewers.
6:46:42 > 6:46:46But you're also part of a My Life documentary right here on CBBC.
6:46:46 > 6:46:47Tell us about it.
6:46:47 > 6:46:49So, basically, we've been doing what we've been doing
6:46:49 > 6:46:52for the past year, which has been an incredible year for us,
6:46:52 > 6:46:55and we've been so lucky to have that being documented on CBBC.
6:46:55 > 6:46:57It came out this morning. 9:40am.
6:46:57 > 6:47:00It comes out tomorrow morning. 9:40am, part two!
6:47:00 > 6:47:01- Yeah!- All the facts.
6:47:01 > 6:47:04That sounds amazing. Did you just break the set, you're so excited?
6:47:04 > 6:47:06- I'm excited!- It does sound amazing.
6:47:06 > 6:47:09- We've got a sneak peek from part two.- Shall we have a look?
6:47:09 > 6:47:11- Yeah. Let's do it.- Yeah. Yes!
6:47:11 > 6:47:13We are so excited. We are about to go on stage.
6:47:13 > 6:47:16There are so many people out there. It's going to be amazing.
6:47:16 > 6:47:20- We hope you guys enjoy it. Shall we go?- Let's go!- Let's go!
6:47:20 > 6:47:21Are you ready, Camp Bestival?
6:47:21 > 6:47:23CHEERING
6:47:23 > 6:47:26# I feel this life like a swinging vine
6:47:26 > 6:47:28# Swing my heart across the line...
6:47:28 > 6:47:30# In my face is flashing signs
6:47:30 > 6:47:32# Seek it out, ye shall find... #
6:47:32 > 6:47:34CHEERING
6:47:34 > 6:47:36Like the sound of that.
6:47:36 > 6:47:39Please keep sending us in your stuff to the Big Badge Wall.
6:47:39 > 6:47:42Guys, talk about your favourite stuff here.
6:47:42 > 6:47:45Our favourite one right here is Eva's from Warwickshire.
6:47:45 > 6:47:48She has done 3-D allotment of a garden patch thing
6:47:48 > 6:47:49with pumpkins and stuff.
6:47:49 > 6:47:51She has had a Blue Peter badge.
6:47:51 > 6:47:52- Yes!- Boom!
6:47:52 > 6:47:56Next one. Daniel, Nottingham, has filled this out.
6:47:56 > 6:47:59It's a beautiful turtle, maybe inspired by Blue Planet II, Daniel.
6:47:59 > 6:48:02We love it. Well done. You got a badge.
6:48:02 > 6:48:05Keep those coming in to the usual address. Get yourself a badge.
6:48:05 > 6:48:07Do that, you get yourself into over 200 attractions across the UK.
6:48:07 > 6:48:10ALL: # For free! #
6:48:10 > 6:48:13Yeah. But do check the BP website because that can change.
6:48:13 > 6:48:17We're basically asking you to get creative, just like Max, Harvey
6:48:17 > 6:48:19and I will in about five minutes' time,
6:48:19 > 6:48:21where we'll be showing you how to make this -
6:48:21 > 6:48:23a papier-mache pumpkin, people!
6:48:23 > 6:48:25Which inspired this.
6:48:26 > 6:48:30Halloween is a time it's a time for fancy dress, spooky stories and...
6:48:30 > 6:48:32Sorry. George, I'm just opening the film.
6:48:32 > 6:48:34Just doing a piece to camera. Bear with me.
6:48:34 > 6:48:37And it's... George, what do you want?
6:48:37 > 6:48:39Well, it's also the time for pumpkins.
6:48:39 > 6:48:42That's what I was going to say.
6:48:42 > 6:48:45Pumpkins and Halloween go hand in spooky hand
6:48:45 > 6:48:49and I reckon it's about time we celebrated these orange marvels.
6:48:50 > 6:48:54This Festival in York makes a big deal out of the humble pumpkin.
6:48:54 > 6:48:56So, I'm paying them a visit
6:48:56 > 6:48:59and I'm joined by resident BP veg expert George.
6:48:59 > 6:49:02So, George, what exactly is a pumpkin?
6:49:02 > 6:49:05- Well, first, it's not actually a vegetable.- What?
6:49:06 > 6:49:10Well, technically, it's got seeds, so that makes it a fruit.
6:49:10 > 6:49:14- Wow. This guy knows his onions. - And pumpkins.
6:49:16 > 6:49:19This place is pumpkin potty.
6:49:19 > 6:49:21And George is off to investigate
6:49:21 > 6:49:24some very special super-sized specimens.
6:49:24 > 6:49:27But before all that, I'm keeping it classic.
6:49:27 > 6:49:29I thought I'd check out what's going on here today
6:49:29 > 6:49:33and that includes pumpkin carving.
6:49:33 > 6:49:37It's your pumpkin basic. Carving a scary face into this versatile veg.
6:49:37 > 6:49:39Sorry, fruit.
6:49:39 > 6:49:42To create the image of Halloween we all know.
6:49:42 > 6:49:45But, here, they're going one step further.
6:49:46 > 6:49:50And it's down to professional pumpkin artist Christian.
6:49:50 > 6:49:53I repeat, he's a professional pumpkin artist.
6:49:53 > 6:49:55I'll just let that sink in.
6:49:55 > 6:49:57These pumpkins are incredible.
6:49:57 > 6:49:59So, can you talk me through how you actually made them.
6:49:59 > 6:50:01- So, I use a sharp knife.- Of course.
6:50:01 > 6:50:05So, if you are doing it at home get a parent to help. It's a top tip.
6:50:05 > 6:50:10Yeah. So, you start off by cutting the lid. A nice clean line.
6:50:10 > 6:50:12Lid off, it's time to remove the insides.
6:50:12 > 6:50:16Christian's top tip is to use an ice cream scoop for this.
6:50:16 > 6:50:17You are welcome.
6:50:17 > 6:50:21So, Christian, why do people actually carve shapes into pumpkins?
6:50:21 > 6:50:23It originates from Ireland.
6:50:23 > 6:50:26People used to carve potatoes and turnips.
6:50:26 > 6:50:28It was only when they moved across to America that they began
6:50:28 > 6:50:30using pumpkins instead.
6:50:30 > 6:50:34- And now that's why we all do it every Halloween?- It is, yeah.
6:50:34 > 6:50:37We are working on a special BP design.
6:50:37 > 6:50:38Oh, that looks great.
6:50:38 > 6:50:42And, it seems, we're not the only ones loving a bit of carving.
6:50:42 > 6:50:45Under the safe supervision of an adult, obvs!
6:50:45 > 6:50:46I really enjoyed it.
6:50:47 > 6:50:52I think my favourite bit was definitely scooping the insides out.
6:50:53 > 6:50:56The big pumpkins were funny and scary.
6:50:58 > 6:51:00While Christian I crack on,
6:51:00 > 6:51:03George has been checking out the sort of supernatural phenomenon
6:51:03 > 6:51:05that can only happen at Halloween.
6:51:05 > 6:51:08Giant pumpkins!
6:51:09 > 6:51:11Sorry. I didn't know... Sorry.
6:51:11 > 6:51:14With the right treatment, pumpkins can grow to be big.
6:51:14 > 6:51:16Like, really big!
6:51:16 > 6:51:21Here they run a competition to find out who has grown the biggest.
6:51:21 > 6:51:25So, I've come to the pumpkin pit lane to meet Ben and Henry.
6:51:25 > 6:51:29And the competition is really hotting up, unlike the weather.
6:51:29 > 6:51:31So, Ben,
6:51:31 > 6:51:33how did you get it so big?
6:51:33 > 6:51:36A lot of TLC. A lot of growing, and stuff like that.
6:51:36 > 6:51:38A lot of watering and a lot of food.
6:51:38 > 6:51:40Do you think you have a chance of winning?
6:51:40 > 6:51:42Well, I did until I rocked up this morning
6:51:42 > 6:51:44and saw these ones over here.
6:51:44 > 6:51:46The competition is judged on weight.
6:51:46 > 6:51:49So, each one of these monsters is loaded onto
6:51:49 > 6:51:51an industrial weighing machine.
6:51:52 > 6:51:53It's a whopper!
6:51:54 > 6:51:57Then the competitors gather inside for the results,
6:51:57 > 6:51:58delivered by yours truly.
6:51:58 > 6:52:00OK. So, here we go.
6:52:00 > 6:52:03In third place for heaviest pumpkin is...
6:52:04 > 6:52:06Amelia!
6:52:07 > 6:52:09In second place, Ben.
6:52:13 > 6:52:15Well done, Ben. Good job.
6:52:15 > 6:52:17The heaviest pumpkin is...
6:52:19 > 6:52:20Ian and Stuart.
6:52:22 > 6:52:24So, second for our man Ben
6:52:24 > 6:52:27but, to be fair, he was beaten by a whopper!
6:52:29 > 6:52:35Just look at that. Unbelievably, our winner weighs just under 800kg.
6:52:35 > 6:52:38That's the same as a fully grown cow.
6:52:38 > 6:52:40COW MOOS
6:52:40 > 6:52:42Well, George, what a pumpkin filled day.
6:52:42 > 6:52:45Some top-notch produce, Lindsey. High five. Go, us!
6:52:45 > 6:52:49Time to reveal the Blue Peter pumpkin that I carved myself.
6:52:49 > 6:52:51Let's have a look at it.
6:52:51 > 6:52:52How good is that?
6:52:52 > 6:52:54She didn't do that.
6:52:54 > 6:52:56- What are you talking about, George? Yes, I did.- She didn't.
6:52:56 > 6:52:58Smile and wave.
6:53:00 > 6:53:03That is an awesome pumpkin. George is an awesome presenter.
6:53:03 > 6:53:06- Should we start this make?- I think we should, yes.- Definitely, yes.
6:53:06 > 6:53:08- So do you want to kick off by blowing up the balloon?- All right.
6:53:08 > 6:53:09- I'll do that.- Thanks, Harvey.
6:53:09 > 6:53:11No pressure, dude. Here we go. Here's your moment.
6:53:11 > 6:53:14Oh, it's looking good.
6:53:14 > 6:53:16- And while you're doing that, Harvey...- Yup.- ..do you want to
6:53:16 > 6:53:18tell the good people what we need to make this make?
6:53:18 > 6:53:20HARVEY READS THE DETAILS
6:53:27 > 6:53:28WHOOPING
6:53:28 > 6:53:31- Not so much as a stutter, I like your style!- They like the glitter.
6:53:31 > 6:53:33So that's a full balloon, if we now reduce that
6:53:33 > 6:53:36to about half the size... SCREECHING
6:53:36 > 6:53:38Not a painful noise at all, that.
6:53:38 > 6:53:40Oh, dear, that's gone pear-shaped.
6:53:40 > 6:53:42Right, fortunately, however, we've come prepared.
6:53:42 > 6:53:45- Now, where IS our preparation...? Here it is!- There it is.
6:53:45 > 6:53:47You can find this in shops, no strings attached...
6:53:47 > 6:53:50WHOOPING There was a delay, but it worked.
6:53:50 > 6:53:52- So we're going to wrap this like a parcel, aren't we, boys?- OK.
6:53:52 > 6:53:55So we're going to take the strings, tie it in a knot on the neck,
6:53:55 > 6:53:58and then we're going to turn it upside down and put it there, and
6:53:58 > 6:54:01this is where I need you to help me, Max, that would be great.
6:54:01 > 6:54:04And we're going to wrap the string around and pull it tight,
6:54:04 > 6:54:05and obviously, Max, you did this wrong...
6:54:05 > 6:54:08- I had one tiny string! - Now we're going to take it
6:54:08 > 6:54:10the other way round, tie it off there
6:54:10 > 6:54:11and do it again diagonally...
6:54:11 > 6:54:14And when you've done that twice and turned it into
6:54:14 > 6:54:16essentially eight, you'll have something which looks like
6:54:16 > 6:54:18this one here. However, to give it its structure,
6:54:18 > 6:54:20that's what the papier-mache comes in.
6:54:20 > 6:54:23If you need help doing that or advice, or want to find out
6:54:23 > 6:54:25how it works, just jump on to the Blue Peter website,
6:54:25 > 6:54:28and then, when you've painted it, it will look like
6:54:28 > 6:54:31this one here. But we've not only painted it,
6:54:31 > 6:54:33we've also, just down the creases here, the folds if you will,
6:54:33 > 6:54:35we've put a little bit of black paint,
6:54:35 > 6:54:38but that doesn't look authentic which is where YOU come in, Harvey.
6:54:38 > 6:54:41So basically what I'm going to do is get a darker orange or gold,
6:54:41 > 6:54:43whatever you want to call it...
6:54:43 > 6:54:45- Gold.- Yeah, that works.
6:54:45 > 6:54:47- Or we can just lie and call it pink!- Yeah.
6:54:47 > 6:54:48Erm...
6:54:48 > 6:54:51And we're just going to paint that there and just make it look,
6:54:51 > 6:54:54- I don't know...- You're so good at art, Harvey. GCSE, yeah?
6:54:54 > 6:54:57GCSEs, mate, you've got them coming up, haven't you?
6:54:57 > 6:54:58- Yes.- Should have taken art.
6:54:58 > 6:55:01I think you've got...not even an A+ any more, you've got a 1.
6:55:01 > 6:55:03Yeah... No, that's the worst one.
6:55:03 > 6:55:05- That's the bad one. - Is that the worst?!
6:55:05 > 6:55:06I'm old, is what it means.
6:55:06 > 6:55:09Well, he deserves it, for that. He deserves it for that.
6:55:09 > 6:55:12So, how would this contain anything? We'd need to have a lid.
6:55:12 > 6:55:15So, if we pull this one out and pull out the one with a completed lid...
6:55:15 > 6:55:17how do you make the lid match?
6:55:17 > 6:55:20So, you poke a pencil through it and then you either
6:55:20 > 6:55:22cut it with scissors, or a knife
6:55:22 > 6:55:25but make sure you ask for parental
6:55:25 > 6:55:28- supervision, permission... - Oh, yeah!
6:55:28 > 6:55:31No knives for children!
6:55:31 > 6:55:33Stand up to knives for chil...
6:55:33 > 6:55:35- Stop!- Sorry.- Too far,
6:55:35 > 6:55:38we went too far. You were so close to being great - but you just kept
6:55:38 > 6:55:39- tipped over the balance.- Sorry.
6:55:39 > 6:55:41So now, what we're going to do is we're going to open up the lid
6:55:41 > 6:55:44and pull out what would then be the balloon and the string -
6:55:44 > 6:55:46however, we're then going to add to it a stalk.
6:55:46 > 6:55:49So we're going to race through this process here.
6:55:49 > 6:55:51So all you need is a pipe cleaner, and then you also need
6:55:51 > 6:55:54a piece of paper which you're going to cut into the shape of a leaf,
6:55:54 > 6:55:57and you simply rotate it over, like so, into the shape of a leaf.
6:55:57 > 6:56:00Through papier-mache once again - the details are on the website.
6:56:00 > 6:56:02You then have something which looks like Max's and Harvey's,
6:56:02 > 6:56:04and I have to say they're doing a really good job of
6:56:04 > 6:56:07lashing the stalk onto the leaf.
6:56:07 > 6:56:10They'd stick that onto the lid of the pumpkin,
6:56:10 > 6:56:12and then there's a template as well for the face,
6:56:12 > 6:56:14that you can get on the website -
6:56:14 > 6:56:17although you're perfectly holding it up like a pro there,
6:56:17 > 6:56:19thank you, Harvey. In fact you're going to eat it as well,
6:56:19 > 6:56:22why don't you enjoy yourself while you're on Blue Peter?
6:56:22 > 6:56:25That's been there for quite a while. HARVEY RETCHES AND COUGHS
6:56:25 > 6:56:27Don't worry, health and safety never takes a day off here.
6:56:27 > 6:56:29All the details are on the website but also a whole lot more.
6:56:29 > 6:56:30Urgh!
6:56:33 > 6:56:36I pooped on my dad's hand when I was a baby.
6:56:36 > 6:56:38What's is that called? Tinsel!
6:56:38 > 6:56:42A parrot came onto my dad's head at a zoo, and...pooped on it.
6:56:42 > 6:56:43Tinsel!
6:56:43 > 6:56:45Here is a fun idea...
6:56:46 > 6:56:48Right, these'll do. We can use these.
6:56:52 > 6:56:54How great is that?
6:56:55 > 6:56:57Oh, we love the BP website -
6:56:57 > 6:57:00it's about to get even better by the way, because after the show
6:57:00 > 6:57:03there's going to be Fan Club Live, and these two are going to be there!
6:57:03 > 6:57:05So log on, people, you don't want to miss that.
6:57:05 > 6:57:07Boys, where was Shelley hiding?
6:57:07 > 6:57:11Shelley was creeping about whilst Lindsey was jumping in the Quays!
6:57:11 > 6:57:14- There she is!- Did you see it? - Quite a big Shelley this week.
6:57:14 > 6:57:17And look, I even took her for a little swim, she had a great time.
6:57:17 > 6:57:19Who spotted her?
6:57:19 > 6:57:21Well, the person that spotted her was Mini Merry Berry!
6:57:21 > 6:57:25- ALL:- Yeah! - Let's hope she's watching.
6:57:25 > 6:57:27That's just about it for today. Make sure you're watching next week
6:57:27 > 6:57:29- where it'll be a Fan Club Takeover. - Yeah,
6:57:29 > 6:57:32we're making all your wishes come true, or as many as you can.
6:57:32 > 6:57:35We're going to have Sophia Grace in the studio, and a brand-new band,
6:57:35 > 6:57:36- it's going to be good!- And part two
6:57:36 > 6:57:39of my awesome Children in Need challenge!
6:57:39 > 6:57:41- We'll see you next week! - Happy dance!
6:57:43 > 6:57:44LINDSEY LAUGHS