The world’s longest running children’s TV show, Blue Peter, has been revealed following a poll of viewers of the CBBC channel.
Lindsey Russell, 22, from Oxford saw off 10 challengers to secure the job following a five week programme of on air challenges broadcast as part of Blue Peter – You Decide!
This included a number of testing assignments such as presenting to camera whilst painting the Blackpool Tower, interviewing girl band Stooshe whilst attempting to learn a dance routine and trying their hand at fashioning something useful out of a washing up bottle.
Russell, who commences her new role in September, said: “This whole experience has been incredible and overwhelming – it’s just ridiculously amazing. I’ve been so determined throughout and I’m literally living my dream. It’s been hard to take it all in.”
An expert panel comprising Eamonn Holmes, Myleene Klass and Friday Download’s Cel Spellman reduced the hopefuls down to three, including Ben Hunte and Freddie Ingleby, who were put forward for an online iVote.