Harry Styles has been awarded a gold Blue Peter badge, one of the highest honors from the long-running BBC children’s program, in recognition of his record-breaking residency at Wembley Stadium. The singer, who reached a milestone at the venue in July, received the award from presenter Shini Muthukrishnan.
A Record-Breaking Wembley Residency
The gold badge commemorates Styles’ achievement in setting the record for the longest residency by a musician at Wembley Stadium. According to the BBC, the singer reached this milestone on July 4, marking his 12th performance at the venue as part of his Together Together tour.
While standard Blue Peter badges are awarded to viewers who contribute to the show or appear as guests, the gold edition is reserved for outgoing presenters and guests who have done extraordinary things. Styles joins a select group of recipients, including Sir Paul McCartney, who received his badge in 2019, as well as Steven Spielberg, Captain Tom Moore, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Reflections on the Award
In an official statement released by the BBC, Styles expressed his personal connection to the show. "I grew up watching Blue Peter and I never thought I would get one of these," he said. "This might be my proudest achievement." He used the opportunity to share a message with the show’s audience, adding, "If you are watching Blue Peter, I wish you luck in all your future endeavours, keep dreaming, and treat people with kindness."
High-Profile Recipients of the Gold Badge
The gold Blue Peter badge serves as a recognition of significant cultural or professional impact. The following table highlights the diversity of past honorees:
| Recipient | Known For |
|---|---|
| Harry Styles | Record-breaking Wembley Stadium residency |
| Sir Paul McCartney | Music |
| Steven Spielberg | Cinema |
| Captain Tom Moore | Extraordinary things |
| Queen Elizabeth II | Extraordinary things |
Production Context
The presentation of the badge was filmed for an episode of Blue Peter that aired on July 10. Beyond the ceremony, the episode featured a segment where the singer responded to letters from the show’s young viewers.
The Wembley residency itself was marked by several notable moments, including a Pride-themed performance that featured appearances by drag performers. During the tour, Styles also garnered media attention for his public support of the England men’s football team, including his reaction to Harry Kane’s goal during a match against DR Congo.