Peter Purves
Peter Purves (born 10 February 1939) is an English television presenter who is best known for being a presenter on the BBC children's programme Blue Peter. After his eleven years on the programme he has continued to make regular appearances since then. In particular, Purves has been associated with television coverage of the Crufts dog show.
Purves is also an actor, and played the character of Steven Taylor in Doctor Who when the Doctor was played by William Hartnell, a role he continues to portray in audio dramas for Big Finish Productions.
Early life
Purves was born in New Longton, near Preston, Lancashire, and was educated at the independent Arnold School in Blackpool. He had originally planned to go into teaching, training at Alsager College of Education, but began to act with the Barrow-in-Furness Repertory Company instead. He also attended Manchester Polytechnic and is a confirmed atheist.
Doctor Who
Purves first appeared on the show in the role of Morton Dill in "The Chase" after being cast by Director Richard Martin.