Barney Harwood lands Blue Peter role

The star of Lichfield's pantomime has been named as the new presenter of Blue Peter, it was announced today.

CBBC star Barney Harwood, known to young viewers for his role on shows such as Bear Behaving Badly, and as a co-host with Basil Brush, will become the 35th presenter on the long-running show.

Harwood, who is currently treading the boards at the Lichfield Garrick as Peter Pan, will replace Joel Defries who leaves the flagship programme this week.

The Blackpool-born star will take his seat alongside co-presenters Andy Akinwolere and Helen Skelton on January 17.

Viewers of the BBC1 show were told of Harwood's appointment yesterday afternoon. The 31-year-old said he is relishing taking on the new role, once his pantomime run comes to an end.

He said: "Being a children's presenter is an ambition that I have already fulfilled but becoming a Blue Peter presenter is simply the icing on the cake.

"I cannot wait to start work with Andy and Helen, wear my badge on screen for the very first time and tackle some exciting challenges."

Blue Peter editor Tim Levell said: "Barney is a household name for CBBC viewers."He is a versatile presenter with a wealth of passion and experience and is a great new member to the Blue Peter team."

Harwood was a pop hopeful before his TV career, joining boy band Goal at the age of 17. Two years later he joined music show Planet Pop, later moving to CBBC show Smile.

He won a children's Bafta for presenting in 2007. The television presenter had the honour of being asked to flick the switch for Lichfield's Christmas lights in the city's Market Street on November 26.

He appeared with other members of the cast, including his father Barnaby Harwood, and former pop star Lolly in full costume.

On top of his television work, Harwood has presented a children's magazine programme called Go 4 It on BBC Radio 4.

Harwood is a keen musician and has helped compose music for many of the shows he has worked on. He is also a keen photographer and supplied all of the back stage photographs in the Lichfield Garrick pantomime programme.

Peter Pan is running until January 9. The production has already broken previous sales records at the theatre, with more than half the performances sold out, but tickets are available.

Call 01543 412 121 or visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com