BANGOR has proudly produced its second Blue Peter presenter with talented local magician Joel Mawhinney set to become the 41st host of the popular children’s television show. The 25 year-old magician follows in the footsteps of former presenter, Bangor’s Zoe Salmon, who was the show’s 30th presenter, gracing television screens across the nation for nearly four years from June 2008. Anyone who has been fortunate to see Joel M’s live show will agree he will brings a high energy vibe and quick wit to the longest running children’s television programme, with his first appearance scheduled for Friday, November 11, on CBBC and BBC iPlayer at 5pm. After appearing on the show as a guest back in 2018, the former Bangor Grammar School pupil will co-host alongside presenters Richie Driss, Mwaksy Mudenda and Henry the dog. Speaking this week, Joel described securing his new role within the Blue Peter team as a ‘magical experience’. “Becoming the 41st Blue Peter presenter is a surreal and dare I say it, magical experience,” he said. “I’ve always loved making people smile with my magic and I want to do the same for the Blue Peter audience. They’ll have high expectations and I’ll do my best to live up to them, I can’t wait to get started.” Joel guest-presented the show over the summer earlier this year when he taught some of his copresenters magic tricks. It was his rapport with both the audience and his fellow presenters that won him the admiration of the show’s bosses. The adventurous Bangor man will have a challenging start to his Blue Peter career as he heads off on a road trip to Scotland where there will be an array of surprises suggested by the Blue Peter audience. From glamping, to kayaking and cliff jumping into the cold waters of Loch Ard, it will be an unforgettable first Blue Peter adventure. Congratulating Joel on his success on social media, Zoe Salmon said she was ‘over the moon’ for him. “Massive congratulation on becoming presenter 41,” said Zoe. “Welcome aboard the best ship in the world. Wishing you the most amazing voyage.” Joel’s passion for magic began when he was just five years old and he began performing at the tender age of 11. Thanks to his creative talent he now boasts a massive social medial following with 16.5 million on one platform alone. He also starred in his own BBC NI television series ‘Life is Magic’ in 2020. Blue Peter editor Ellen Evans said: “I think the our Blue Peter audience will love the energy and fun he’ll bring to the show.” Blue Peter is on CBBC every Friday at 5pm and is also available on BBC iPlayer.
