Blue Peter says 'sorry' over cat

New Blue Peter kitten Cookie was introduced to viewers

The hosts of Blue Peter have apologised to viewers on air about the rigging of a poll to name the show's cat.

The cat was named Socks after the results of an online poll were changed. Viewers of the BBC One show had wanted to call the cat Cookie.

Speaking on behalf of the programme, presenter Zoe Salmon told viewers: "We'd like to say that we're sorry."

The show, returning for a new series, began with the introduction of a new kitten, whose name is Cookie.

Editor appointed

The apology follows Monday's announcement that former Newsround boss Tim Levell has become the new editor of the programme.

The BBC has refused to comment on reports that former editor Richard Marson has been sacked.

Mr Marson was at the helm when Blue Peter staff asked a child visiting the studio to pose as a phone-in competition winner.

The BBC was fined an unprecedented £50,000 by media watchdog Ofcom over the incident.