Blue Peter's Katy quits

Katy Hill with co-hosts Konnie Huq, Simon Thomas

Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill is to leave the BBC children's show after five years with the series.

The 28-year-old presenter, who announced her decision to leave at the end of Friday's programme, is to move on to work on other projects for the BBC.

She said: "I've had a fantastic time at Blue Peter and the whole team have been great to work with, but it's now time to move on.

"I'm looking forward to working on new projects in the future."

The BBC is not yet disclosing what her next role will be.

Katy Hill co-hosted the millennium special 2000 to 1

She joined Blue Peter in June 1995, becoming the programme's 23rd presenter. It has led to her presenting Top of the Pops, as well as last year's quiz show 2000-1 with Michael Parkinson.

BBC Production director of programmes Lorraine Heggessey said: "Katy definitely has a bright future ahead of her at the BBC. She is a key talent who played a major role in our millennium programmes.

"She he is one of those presenters who can handle everything from live broadcasting to flying with the Red Arrows and hosting entertainment shows.

"We are keen to exploit her range with a number of programmes in different genres in the coming years."

Blue Peter editor Steve Hocking said: "Katy has been one of the most popular members of the Blue Peter team and she will be sadly missed.

"In five action-packed years, she's done everything from swimming with sharks to parachuting and she will face more challenges before she leaves in June."

Hill's other tasks for Blue Peter have included living in Mongolia with a family for a week, training with the England football squad for a World Cup special and interviewing Tony Blair.