Blue Peter to welcome new presenter Richie Driss in May

A 30-year-old film graduate who worked for a grime music website has been announced as the latest presenter to join Blue Peter.

Richie Driss will replace Radzi Chinyanganya, who announced his departure from the long-running CBBC children’s show last month after five-and-a-half years.

Driss, who will make his Blue Peter debut on May 16, worked as a presenter and producer for Joe Media, where he fronted weekly broadcasts interviewing stars.

Prior to that, Driss, from St Albans, studied film and television at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, before working in local radio and launching his own series on urban music website GRM Daily.

Driss said: “To say that becoming a Blue Peter presenter is a dream come true doesn’t even begin to describe it.

“To be named presenter of the longest-running children’s television programme in the world is a far bigger achievement than I ever dreamt possible.

“I cannot wait to get started and follow in the footsteps of the 60 years of iconic presenters who have worn the famous Blue Peter badge before me. I am going to give it my all, no matter what the job throws at me.”

Driss has already begun filming for the series, singing with The Kingdom Choir, who performed at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Blue Peter’s acting editor Matthew Peacock said: “Richie really impressed us during his auditions and showed that he has plenty of Blue Peter spirit when he came face to face with a Burmese python and took on a ninja assault course.

“We’re sure he will be a big hit with the legions of Blue Peter fans.”

Head of BBC children’s in house productions Helen Bullough said: “Richie has that Blue Peter ‘can do’ attitude that has inspired so many generations of children over the past 60 years and which still remains at the heart of the show today.

“He is going to be a fantastic addition to the programme alongside Lindsey and Henry.”

In the interim, former England footballer and BBC pundit Alex Scott will co-host the show on May 2 while Waterloo Road actor Cel Spellman will present on May 9.

Driss will debut alongside Lindsey Russell and new Blue Peter dog Henry from Thursday May 16 on CBBC at 5.30pm.