"I can't wait for all the adventures to come!"
Shini Muthukrishnan has been named the latest host of Blue Peter following a mass reshuffle that saw three presenters quit within 14 months.
There were fears the long-running children’s TV show could be axed, with sources calling the programme a “very unhappy, sinking ship” in October 2023, after the departures.
Nevertheless, bosses hope Shini will bring some stability to the much-loved show when she makes her debut on January 19, 2024.
The 22-year-old has been described as a perfect fit for the role thanks to her love of reading, books, adventure and sport.
She will co-host alongside Abby Cook and Joel Mawhinney.
Shini is set to receive her first Blue Peter badge when she participates in an aircraft aerobatics challenge.
She will also attempt to bath Henry the dog in her first episode, which airs at 5 pm on the CBBC Channel and BBC iPlayer.
But who is Shini Muthukrishnan?
Although Shini has never presented before, she has built up a large social media following in lockdown with videos celebrating her British, Indian and Malaysian heritage.
She has a healthy Instagram following but her biggest audience is on TikTok, with 491,000 followers.
Known as jhumkagirl on the platform, BBC bosses believe her social media following will help to connect with the young audience.
@jhumkagirl as an asian, my default love language is food/drink. so drink up ?? #chai #tea #masalachai #indianfood #indian #india #asia #asian #southasian #lovelanguage #asianhousehold #indianhousehold #indianparents #foodtok #brown #browntok #browngirl #browntiktok #tamil #desi #desitok #jhumkagirl #asianparents #cooking ? Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] – Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua
Shini recently graduated from King’s College London, where she studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
She has experience of working with children, having taught children in Hong Kong during her gap year.
Shini also volunteered at a youth camp in Birmingham.
On joining the Blue Peter team, 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!”
She recalled the show having a big impact on her when she was younger, adding:
“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.”
Blue Peter Editor, Ellen Evans, said of the appointment:
“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!”
Shini’s appointment comes four months after there were fears for the show’s fears after popular Mwaksy Mudenda resigned.
This left just two presenters to host Blue Peter for the first time since long-standing presenter John Noakes joined Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves in 1965.
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