Shini Muthukrishnan has been announced as the newest member of the 'Blue Peter' team.
Shini Muthukrishnan has been announced as the newest member of the Blue Peter team
The 22-year-old content creator, who built up a following over the COVID lockdown through videos about her British, Indian and Malaysian heritage, will join Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney and Henry for the dog as the 43rd presenter for the BBC children's programme.
Shini said: “Being part of the 'Blue Peter' team is such a surreal and exciting feeling. It’s my first time on the big screen and I can’t wait for all the adventures to come!”
The social media star, who recently graduated from King's College London, gushed about the series, including the impact it had on her as a child, and revealed she has "fond memories" of Helen Skelton, who presented the show from 2008 to 2013, as the host.
Shini said: "I have really fond memories of 'Blue Peter', Helen and Barney were my era.
"As a kid, I looked up to Helen Skelton, she seemed fearless on screen. She took on incredible challenges with such a headstrong attitude that made me think I can be fearless too.”
The new presenter is gearing up to earn her 'Blue Peter' badge in his first live show on Friday 19 January, in which she will take part in some exhilarating aircraft acrobatics, attempt to bath Henry the dog, and show off her cooking skills in the kitchen.
'Blue Peter' editor Ellen Evans praised Shini and labelled her an impressive, "exciting new talent".
She said: "Shini is an exciting new talent, who impressed us with her adventurous spirit, sense of humour, determination and aspiration to have a positive impact on kids’ lives.
"As a digital creative, she’s built a following online creating a fun, positive space connecting with young people, and I can’t wait for the Blue Peter audience to meet Shini too!”
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