Blue Peter today unveiled the latest recruit to its presenting team.
Twenty-four year old Zoe Salmon, from Bangor in Northern
Ireland, will join the team at Christmas as cover for Liz Barker who
is shortly to go on maternity leave.
Zoe was one of hundreds who answered anonymous adverts placed in local
press across the UK - with no idea that she was applying to be a Blue
Peter presenter.
After a series of interviews the final few faced a rigorous Blue Peter
audition - a complete mini-programme which included conducting an interview
whilst jumping on a trampoline.
Like Blue Peter's first ever presenter Leila Williams, Zoe is a beauty
queen, winning the title of Miss Northern Ireland in 1999.
She has recently completed a four year law degree at Queen's University
in Belfast - but her new job means her plans for a career as a lawyer
will have to be put on hold.
Blue Peter Editor, Richard Marson, said: "Zoe did a fantastic
audition, and we couldn't believe that she'd never been in a television
studio before.
"She coped brilliantly with the challenge of demonstrating a temperamental
remote controlled car, handling a kinkajou from London Zoo and making
a Christmas card - but it was her total assurance on the trampoline
that really impressed us.
"She is extremely warm and natural - and we're certain she'll
be a hit with viewers."
Zoe said: "It's been the biggest secret I've ever had to keep and
it will be a major relief to tell my friends and family!
"I'm so excited and I'm really looking forward to all the mad
stuff I know they throw at you on Blue Peter."
Zoe starts filming for Blue Peter this week, but viewers won't see
her on screen until 23 December, when she will make her debut singing
and dancing in a Christmas musical spectacular.
Her early challenges on the programme will include the extreme sport
street luging, a day as a student teacher, a trip to Iceland and a outdoor
raft building exercise in the wilds of winter.
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