Wheelchair racer Abby delighted to be unveiled as Blue Peter's 42nd presenter

06 March 2023 , 20:02

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Abby Cook (right) with Mwaka, Joel and Henry in the studio (Image: PA)

Wheelchair racer Abby Cook has told of her delight after being unveiled as the 42nd presenter of Blue Peter.

The new host of the long-running children’s TV show will join Mwaka Mudenda, Joel Mawhinney and Henry the dog as she makes her debut on Friday by showing her skills at the track and meeting animals in the studio.

Cook, from Falkirk in Scotland, said: “I was speechless when I found out, I had to check it was true, it was a very emotional moment knowing I would actually be presenting a show I love and had grown up with.”

Since studying applied biological science at Forth Valley College, she has worked with Forth Valley Disability Sport, supporting disabled and non-disabled young people becoming active, and as a mental health project administrator for Scottish Disability Sport.

The 20-year-old wheelchair user also trains twice a week with Paralympians as part of the athletics club Forth Valley Flyers and also likes to do wheelies at her local skate park.

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Abby's debut is on Friday (PA)

Cook added: “Helen (Skelton) and (dog) Barney were my era, but I also became obsessed with watching You Decide when the public got to choose the latest presenter and they picked Lindsey (Russell).

“I remember thinking what a great role model she was, she had never presented before but here was this strong woman going on the show and doing an amazing job.

“I’m hoping to do the same because I know what a lasting impression the presenters can have on the audience.”

During her interview for Blue Peter, when she was not told it was a BBC show, she said “here’s one I made earlier” when playing the ukulele.

She will combat her fear of heights as she takes on her first challenge to collect a Blue Peter badge by abseiling down Millers Dale Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Blue Peter editor Ellen Evans said: “When Abby came to the studio, we knew she would be great for the show because she has an unstoppable ‘can do’ attitude.

“She’s up for any challenge and we know she’ll connect beautifully with our audience because she has a real affinity for working with young people, but she also has the biggest of hearts.”

Blue Peter is on Fridays at 5pm on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.

Charlotte McLaughlin