UNMC's Ben poised to become next Blue Peter presenter

His “insane” Malaysian adventures have already stood him in excellent stead for the Blue Peter role. He has been trekking, mountain climbing, skydiving and bungee jumping. In fact, Ben credits UNMC with conquering any remaining fears he had, including a fear of flying, and also giving him a truly global cultural experience.

“I don’t know where I’d be without UNMC,” said Ben. “The world’s changing and the opportunity to study abroad has been amazing. Malaysia has opened up the world to me.”

Studying at UNMC has opened his eyes to different cultures and he is proud to have student editors from all corners of the globe writing for Ignite.  Meanwhile, being almost 10,000 miles away from loved ones back in the UK has brought resourcefulness and maturity he might not have experienced going to university in his home country. It has also brought a dislike of the cold, thanks to the sunny Malaysian climes, but that would be a small price to pay for the ultimate TV job.  

Here’s one I made earlier

His achievement is all the more impressive considering he had never been in front of a video camera – let alone had any presenting experience - until his friend shot a one-take audition tape, an entertaining showcase of his Malaysian experiences, which he sent to the BBC. He had considered acting or presenting as a career but is pleased he followed his parents’ advice to further his education first.  

As with millions of British children growing up over the last 55 years, Blue Peter was part of Ben’s childhood, but he did not recall seeing many presenters he could relate to.

“There weren’t many young, black presenters on children’s television, so I didn’t feel there were role models for me,” he said. “I want to give something back, to be that inspiring, younger person, to be accessible to the audience and to connect with people on a more personal level. I’m unlike anyone who has been on Blue Peter before and I’m up for anything!”    

He now faces a very public audition, where the finalists are put through their paces in a series of Blue Peter-style challenges in a weekly programme, Blue Peter - You Decide! Each week, one of the finalists gets voted off by an expert panel, before the final three are eventually announced, which then goes to the public vote.

Prof Christine Ennew, CEO and Provost, UNMC, has no doubt that Ben would be the perfect choice to be Blue Peter’s new presenter. She said: “Ben has a natural ability to engage with people and make them feel special. He has creativity and imagination and, perhaps most of all, enthusiasm and openness to things that are new, exciting and different.”

Blue Peter – You Decide! airs later this month.