To mark this anniversary, I produced a VT package and booked a sofa guest for BBC Breakfast.

I researched and secured an engaging filming location, settling on a Thunderbirds exhibition at a museum featuring original memorabilia and archive pieces. To increase production value and add a light, comedic tone, I liaised with the exhibition’s PR team to secure a Thunderbirds costume for our reporter to wear on location.

I wrote a detailed dope sheet for the reporter, including sourced contributors, filming location, and available visuals, and also sourced relevant archive footage from the series.

The final VT brought these elements together, including a scripted name-check delivered by reporter Graham Satchell - filmed in full costume - to maximise audience engagement.

Following the success of the VT, I booked Dee Anderson, daughter of Thunderbirds creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, as a sofa guest. Dee spoke about her childhood memories of growing up with the series and her late mother’s legacy as the inspiration for Lady Penelope, and brought along an original Lady Penelope puppet, adding further visual interest and entertainment value.

The piece was singled out in the editor’s debrief: “There have been howls of laughter all week from everyone who watched Graham Satchell’s Thunderbirds VT – have a watch if you want to see a reporter making the very most of a piece to camera – supreme creativity.”