Last week, Anthea Turner joins Vivid Toy Group to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Thunderbirds TV series which launched on 30th September in 1965. If you are a big fan of Blue Peter, you probably remember that Anthea Turner’s demonstration of building a replica Thunderbirds base using papier-mache and toilet paper tubes. The beloved 1993 home-made creation caused such a fuss Blue Peter was inundated with requests for an instruction leaflet, which is still available online.

This year represents the 3rd time Vivid Toy Group have launched Tracy Island as part of their Thunderbirds toy range. Having already been listed in a raft of Toy retailers’ Top 10 Toys for Christmas, Hamleys Boys’ Category Manager believes that the new, Interactive version is a sure fire hit: “Tracy Island stands out as the one to watch this Christmas and a complete sell out is predicted.” She continues: “It’s amazing that 50 years on Thunderbirds still has the power to engage with children and adults alike, it’s rich history remastered to a 21st century audience has only strengthened its appeal and place as an iconic British brand.”

The presenters’ original Blue Peter Tracy Island model is unveiled alongside the new Interactive Tracy Island. How awesome is that!