16th October 1958 - 8 January 1962
Born: 1937
Presented with
Christopher Trace.
Leila William was just 21 when she was given the job of first female Blue Peter presenter. The previous year she had been crowned Miss Great Britain. Leila was more than just a pretty face, but this being the Fifties, she was usually seen playing with dolls.
Leila left the programme because she didn't get on with a new producer. She still keeps in touch with the show, and sends the office a birthday card each year.
Unfortunately no clips of Leila presenting Blue Peter exist in the archives.
Leila also played small roles in the films The Shakedown (1959), Marriage of Convenience (1960), Watch Your Stern (1960) and The Beauty Jungle (1964).
Up until recently Leila Williams ran pubs with her husband, including the Royal Oak in Surbiton. She recently retired to live in Spain.
In 1998 returned to television and helped celebrate the show's 40th anniversary.
Dispelling the myth that the show was stuffy Leila said. "Chris and I started off wearing very formal clothes, but quickly changed into a more casual look. How could Chris play with model railways with a shirt and tie?"
Top Blue Peter moment: Launching the show and returning in 1998 to celebrate the show's 40th birthday.
