Tim Levell said he would make Blue Peter "more exciting than ever"

Mr Levell will be tasked with ensuring there are no more high-profile problems after two recent editorial scandals.

He has been acting Blue Peter editor since former boss Richard Marson was moved following the revelation that a competition winner was faked.

And last week, it emerged that the result of an online poll to name a cat had also been changed on his watch.

The BBC has refused to comment on reports that Mr Marson has now been sacked.

Mr Levell, who has also worked for Sky News, said: "There is no programme in the world quite like Blue Peter - it holds such a special place in the nation's heart.

The new series of Blue Peter begins on BBC One on Tuesday

"I really want today's children to love it with a new passion, and I believe we've got an amazing mix of great talent and ambitious ideas which will make Blue Peter more relevant and exciting than ever."

Richard Deverell, controller of BBC Children's, said: "Blue Peter continues to be one of CBBC's most treasured programmes, inspiring children and enriching their lives.

"Tim is hugely talented and has great integrity and I've no doubt Blue Peter's appetite for challenge and adventure will flourish under his leadership."

The new series of Blue Peter begins on BBC One on Tuesday.

There will be two episodes a week - down from three in the last series. The BBC said the move would "allow Blue Peter to concentrate on more compelling and ambitious content".

Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures began on Monday

Presenter Konnie Huq has already announced she will leave the show early next year after more than a decade fronting the programme.

Meanwhile, the BBC has denied reports that it is planning to move children's TV from BBC One to BBC Two on weekday afternoons.

The Guardian newspaper said the BBC was considering a plan to take after-school programming off its main channel for the first time in 61 years.