A JERSEYMAN has been named as the newest presenter of iconic children’s TV show Blue Peter.
Leo Olsson (23) will join the world’s longest-running children’s show as its 45th presenter, taking on a role previously held by familiar faces including John Noakes, Konnie Huq, Matt Baker and Helen Skelton.
Mr Olsson grew up in Jersey and is a former Victoria College student, who began his career as a teenager by uploading tech reviews and vlogs to his YouTube account.
When he was 18, he went viral by sending 200 letters to world leaders and uploading their responses online.
Mr Olsson said it was an “honour” to join the programme, adding: “Blue Peter has always stood for adventure and not being afraid to try new things, which are values I try to bring to everything I create.
“Growing up I was inspired by people I watched online and on television and I want to do the same. I want to let kids know that you can go out and do whatever you want to do, take on a challenge, big or small.”
Victoria College headmaster, Dr Gareth Hughes, said the school was “delighted” for Mr Olsson and wish him well in his new role, adding: “Leo’s achievement is a testament to his motivation, talent and character, and we know he will inspire a new generation of young people through one of Britain’s most iconic children’s programmes.”
With nearly 140,000 followers on Instagram, Mr Olsson already has an audience of his own. Most recently, he has been completing the “world’s longest bucket list,” which has seen thousands of people watch as he learned how to ride a unicycle, run a marathon and build a surfboard.
His first episode will air on CBBC on 20 November and will see Mr Olsson skydive to gain his Blue Peter badge.
Sarah Muller, senior head of children’s commissioning at the BBC, said: “Leo is a natural storyteller whose creativity, positivity and sense of adventure makes him a perfect fit for Blue Peter.
“His determination, passion for adventure and inspiring others reflects everything the programme stands for, and we’re excited to welcome him to the team.”
His arrival comes a year after the show moved to a new studio in Manchester, where it is now pre-recorded instead of being broadcast live.
Since then, its YouTube channel has gained more than 21.1 million views, while the programme itself has generated nearly seven million streams on BBC iPlayer.
Mr Olsson continued: “There’s no other show in the world like Blue Peter, it’s all about adventure and not being afraid to try new things. Where else would you find a presenter trying to cross the Irish Sea in a Zorb ball, or walk a tightrope between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station?”
