Naomi Wilkinson is a recognisable face to kids and parents everywhere, a prominent presenter within the CBBC Children's presenting team, becoming a regular on the channel since her debut back in 2010.
Before that she was known as 'The Milkshake! Lady' after presenting the Channel 5 kids strand for a decade, also producing the show.
We got the chance to chat to Naomi about her extremely busy year ahead and the challenges she faces in her job, as well as some of her favourite moments so far and what she'll be doing for this year's Sport Relief.
How did you find yourself involved in the world of children's TV presenting?
It was a childhood dream which I started to pursue seriously as I left college. I made a short video of myself that I sent off to numerous different production companies. Thankfully I was invited for an interview and then a screen test at a digital channel called Carlton Kids. I was over the moon when I got the job.
What would you say are some of your favourite career moments to-date?
I hardly know where to begin? I have been so fortunate to have had so many. Presenting alongside Elmo was an absolute treat having always been a huge Jim Henson/Muppet fan & I celebrated my 10 years at Milkshake with him too so that was a very memorable week. Parahawking alongside a Red Kite in Wales (an activity that combines paragliding and falconry), swimming with a manatee in Florida and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef stand out as a few of my most special animal encounters. My proudest moment has probably been swimming with sharks (twice) as that has involved conquering a life-long phobia. And then I will never forget the day I went wing-walking, in an attempt to imitate the flight of the Hobby. Talk about extreme! It was the most thrilling and exhilarating activity, the feeling of looping the loop strapped to the top of a plane is one I doubt I will ever beat.
What can you tell us about the upcoming series of Marrying Mum & Dad?
Sadly not a lot as this show relies on keeping everything a secret from the parents. I wish I could reveal some of the wedding themes the kids have chosen as this new series has some absolute crackers, but I won't spoil the surprise.
You've also travelled the world for the second series of a new show - Naomi's Nightmares of Nature for CBBC - how did you find that experience?
The travelling part is fantastic and I count myself very fortunate to be given this opportunity to see so many parts of the world and I have had some incredible animal encounters as a result, I pinch myself when I think back over the variety of creatures I have now encountered. But I have to be honest, considering the title of the show this is not a walk in the park for me and my nerves are tested to the max on a daily basis, so I breathe a huge sigh of relief at the end of each shoot.
How did it feel when that series won an award at the West of England RTS Awards Bristol?
I was chuffed to bits. Coming from my home town it had extra, special value.
You're also due to co-present Sport Relief Does Glee Club - what can you tell us about that?
It is currently being shown on CBBC on the run up to Sport Relief next week (CBBC, weekdays at 4.15pm). We have travelled the country to find the UK's best young singing and dancing groups. I have the enjoyable role of hanging out backstage with the Glee Clubs to support them through the great pressure of singing & then being judged on a live television show. The final of this competition will take place on Sport Relief night which will be shown live on BBC1 and I cannot wait!
Wild & All Over The Place are two further shows you're involved in, what can your fans expect from these?
All Over The Place: Australia is currently on CBBC, weekdays at 7.45am. Ed Petrie is joined by various CBBC presenters exploring unusual places, collections, events & landmarks. It is packed with interesting facts, songs and general silliness and we all have an absolute blast making it. WILD is a live Saturday morning show due to return in September. It will no doubt involve adventure sports, animal encounters, viewer participation and all things wild. They say you shouldn't work with children and animals, but we happily embrace that challenge!
You're obviously a very busy person - do you ever get a moment to relax?
Recently not a lot. But I'm like my dad, I am not one to rest on my laurels. My husband laughs at my to do lists on my free days as I always try to pack in way more than is humanly possible.
How do you like to spend your time when away from work?
Preferably with my husband as we have had to spend a lot of time apart in recent months. I love to go surfing, take a trip to the theatre or the cinema, attend a tap class or simply go for a coffee to catch up with friends & family who I miss terribly while I am away.
Are there any further projects you can share some details about?
I am looking forward to working with my pal Tim Warwood again in the summer on a new project. He is the most upbeat person you can meet and will put anyone in a good mood.