Blue Peter announces Shini as new presenter

The world’s longest-running children's TV show has today unveiled Shini Muthukrishnan as its newest Blue Peter presenter.

Shini will co-host alongside Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, and Henry the dog on her first live show airing Friday 19th January on CBBC and BBC iPlayer at 5.00 pm.

Shini is a content creator who has built up a large social media following since lockdown with videos celebrating her British, Indian, and Malaysian heritage, including her love of Chai!

This is a first TV presenting role for the 22-year-old, who recently graduated from King's College London where she studied Philosophy, Politics & Economics.

She has experience of working with children, having taught children in Hong Kong during her gap year and volunteered at a youth camp in Birmingham. She is passionate about engaging young people and the possibility of having a positive impact on children’s lives.

In a perfect fit for Blue Peter, which does so much to tap into children’s passion for reading, Shini loves books and read a grand total of 62 books during lockdown! She also plays acoustic guitar and enjoys theatre, music, and singing.

For five years, she played badminton for Staffordshire county and she loves adventures and sports.

Shini says she’s very excited to join the Blue Peter team: “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!”

Shini says the show had a big impact on her when she was younger: “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.”

Shini will certainly be earning her Blue Peter badge with her first challenge by taking part in some incredible aircraft aerobatics. In her first live show on Friday 19th January, Shini will be attempting to bath Henry the dog and cook up a tasty treat.

Blue Peter Editor, Ellen Evans, says: “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!”

Blue Peter is produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family. It is on CBBC every Friday at 5.00pm and is available on BBC iPlayer.