Sarah Greene – Blue Peter, Husband Mike Smith & No Children

Sarah Greene is a name that brings up two different people in the public eye. One is the English television presenter who lit up Saturday morning screens on Blue Peter, Saturday Superstore and Going Live!. The other is the Irish actress known for the hit drama Normal People. This article is about the presenter – Elizabeth Sarah Greene – born on 24 October 1957 in London and still active on BBC One today.

Greene’s personal story is as compelling as her professional one. She was married to radio and TV presenter Mike Smith, with whom she survived a serious helicopter crash in 1988. Smith died in 2014. Questions about whether Greene had children and who she is now often arise from the confusion with her younger namesake.

Below we answer the most common search queries about Sarah Greene the presenter: her career on Blue Peter, her relationship with Mike Smith, her current work, and the facts about her family.

Who is Sarah Greene?

Key insights

• Sarah Greene is primarily known as a co-presenter of Blue Peter in the early 1980s.
• She was married to TV and radio presenter Mike Smith from 1989 until his death in 2014.
• Contrary to some online searches, Sarah Greene (the TV presenter) did not have children.
• She remains active in broadcasting, co-hosting The Finish Line on BBC One since 2023.
• There is frequent confusion with the Irish actress Sarah Greene (born 1984) who played in Normal People.

Snapshot facts

What was Sarah Greene’s role on Blue Peter?

Her time as co-presenter (1980–1983)

Sarah Greene joined the BBC children’s magazine show Blue Peter in 1980 at the age of 22, becoming the youngest presenter the programme had ever appointed. She stayed for three years, co-hosting with Simon Groom and Peter Purves among others. Her tenure included live studio segments, outside broadcasts and the kind of hands-on challenges the show was famous for. The BBC Blue Peter archive captures many of those moments.

Memorable moments and contribution

Greene took part in the iconic Blue Peter appeals and annual expeditions. She also helped modernise the show’s tone for a new generation. After leaving the programme in 1983, she moved to Saturday morning television, first on Saturday Superstore and later on Going Live!, cementing her place as one of the most recognised faces of 1980s children’s TV.

Who was Sarah Greene’s partner, Mike Smith?

Relationship timeline with Mike Smith

Mike Smith was a well-known radio and television presenter, famous for his work on BBC Radio 1 and the game show Through the Keyhole. Greene and Smith met through the industry and began a relationship in the 1980s. On 10 September 1988, the couple were seriously injured in a helicopter crash in Gloucestershire. Both survived and recovered. The accident brought them closer: they became engaged shortly afterward and married in 1989. A BBC News obituary for Mike Smith details his career and the crash.

Mike Smith’s death and funeral

Mike Smith died in August 2014 after a short illness at the age of 59. His death was widely reported, with Greene being described as a devoted partner during his final months. The funeral was a private affair, and Greene has spoken little about it publicly. She continues to honour his memory, often posting about him on social media.

Does Sarah Greene have children?

Clarification on children (no children from marriage to Mike Smith)

Based on available biographies, interviews and official records, Sarah Greene and Mike Smith did not have any children. Multiple sources – including Wikipedia, IMDb and specialist biographical sites – make no mention of offspring. The assumption that she had children may stem from her long marriage or from confusion with other public figures.

What is Sarah Greene doing now?

Current television work (BBC One’s The Finish Line)

In 2023, Greene returned to regular television as co-host of the BBC One quiz show The Finish Line alongside Roman Kemp. The programme features contestants racing through rounds of general knowledge. It marks her first major presenting role since the 1990s. More details can be found on the BBC One programme page for The Finish Line.

Social media and public appearances

Greene maintains an active presence on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work, memories of her Blue Peter days and tributes to Mike Smith. She has also guest-presented on This Morning (2017) and appeared at nostalgia events.

Timeline of key events

1. 1957 – Born in London.
2. 1980 – Joins Blue Peter as co-presenter.
3. 1983 – Leaves Blue Peter.
4. 1989 – Marries presenter Mike Smith.
5. 1990s–2000s – Various television appearances, including acting roles (Doctor Who, Aladdin).
6. 2014 – Mike Smith dies after a short illness.
7. 2023 – Begins co-hosting The Finish Line on BBC One.

What is known and what remains unclear?

Context: Why does Sarah Greene matter?

Sarah Greene’s legacy is tied to children’s television of the 1980s, when she helped define Saturday mornings for millions of British viewers. She remains a familiar face on BBC daytime, proving her staying power in an industry that often moves on quickly. The absence of children in her life often surprises searchers – a gap in existing content that this article addresses head-on.

The name clash with a younger actress causes ongoing search confusion, especially for fans of Normal People. Greene’s career revival on The Finish Line shows resilience and continued relevance in UK broadcasting. For those interested in similar figures, read about Simon Amstell – Biography, Tour 2025 and Where He Is Now.

Sources and quotes

“It was the best job in the world.” – Sarah Greene on her time on Blue Peter (BBC interview archive).

The following sources were used to compile this article:

• Wikipedia – Sarah Greene
• IMDb – Sarah Greene (TV presenter)
• BBC News – Mike Smith obituary
• BBC – Blue Peter archive
• BBC One – The Finish Line
• UKGameshows – Sarah Greene

Summary

Sarah Greene (born 1957) is a British television presenter best known for Blue Peter, Saturday Superstore and Going Live!. She was married to Mike Smith, with whom she had no children. She currently hosts BBC One’s The Finish Line and remains a beloved figure in UK broadcasting. For another career overview, see Diane Morgan Movie and TV Shows – Full Filmography & Career Guide.

Frequently asked questions