Northern Ireland

Derry YouTube star Adam Beales unveiled as new Blue Peter presenter

New Blue Peter presenter Adam Beales from Derry
New Blue Peter presenter Adam Beales from Derry New Blue Peter presenter Adam Beales from Derry

DERRY YouTube star Adam Beales has been unveiled as a new presenter of Blue Peter.

The 20-year-old, who has almost three million subscribers to his YouTube channel, becomes the 40th host of the world’s longest-running children's TV show.

The former St Columb's College head boy said he was "humbled and ecstatic" to be selected.

Already familiar to CBBC viewers as a regular face on The Dog Ate My Homework, he will appear on Blue Peter for the first time tomorrow (5.30pm) alongside presenters Lindsey Russell, Richie Driss, Mwaka Mudenda and Henry the dog.

Beales is best known for his YouTube videos, which often feature his parents and brother Callum (11) and involve pranks, challenges, DIY crafts and life hacks - so he should fit right in with the 'here’s one I made earlier' creations on the show.

His online success recently saw him surprise his parents by buying them a new four-bedroom home.

He follows in the footsteps of fellow Northern Ireland presenters Zoe Salmon and the late Caron Keating.

"It's kind of weird - in a super exciting way - that the show I once watched when I was younger, is now the show I will be presenting along with the talented Lindsey, Richie, Mwaksy and, of course, Henry," he said.

"I can't wait to get stuck in, even with the challenges they throw at me, though I am hoping none of them involve cheese - I hate cheese."

Blue Peter editor Ellen Evans said: "Adam really impressed us during his auditions, he’s a natural in front of the camera but he’s also very funny, incredibly warm, brilliant with kids and also perhaps a little bit mischievous which the Blue Peter audience will absolutely love."