Brit Awards, Grammys and platinum discs are all very well but Chris Martin has finally been given the accolade he covets most – a Blue Peter badge.
The Coldplay frontman was given a gold version of the honour in a surprise presentation by show host Konnie Huq. Chris, who works tirelessly for the charity Make Trade Fair, was thrilled.
Speaking exclusively to me backstage at Earls Court, where the band played a triumphant show on Thursday, Chris said: "I’ve always wanted a criminal record and a Blue Peter badge — now I’ve got both. I was very honoured to get the gold badge and I love Konnie Huq so I was pleased to meet her. I was on the show to present an award to a 12-year-old lad who had done lots of work for Make Trade Fair and they surprised me by giving me the badge."Mild-mannered Chris is the last rock star you would imagine to have a criminal record, but his "scuffles" with photographers have got him in trouble with the boys in blue.
Chris took baby daughter Apple to meet Blue Peter presenters Matt Baker, Liz Barker, Gethin Jones, Zoe Salmon and Konnie. But the presenters turned the tables and gave him the top-ranking badge that is reserved for people who have achieved greatness.
The show decided to commend his hard work with Make Trade Fair — which works to give poor nations a better deal on exports — and Live 8.
Chris joins an impressive gallery of stars who have gold badges. The show — which has been running for 47 years — has previously honoured David Beckham, Madonna, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Ewan McGregor and The Queen. The badge is a brooch in the shape of the programme’s ship logo.
Chris has been wearing his with pride ever since he got it: "It’s one of the best things I’ve ever received."
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