Tik Tok star, 22, is unveiled as Blue Peter’s 43rd presenter following mass reshuffle and fears world’s longest-running children’s show could be axed

Blue Peter has signed 22-year-old Tik Tok star Shini Muthukrishnan as its newest presenter after a massive reshuffle saw three presenters quit within 14 months.

There were fears that the longest-running children’s television program could be axed, with insiders calling the show a “very unfortunate, sinking ship” in October following its many departures.

Still, show bosses will no doubt hope that Shini’s hiring will bring some stability to the much-loved show when she makes her debut on January 19.

Shini will co-host alongside Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney and Henry the dog in her first live show airing on Friday January 19 at 5pm on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.

The content creator has not presented before but has built a social media following during lockdown with videos celebrating her British, Indian and Malaysian heritage.

The content creator has not presented before but has built a social following during lockdown with videos celebrating her British, Indian and Malaysian heritage

Shini, who recently graduated from King’s College London where she studied philosophy, politics and economics, has experience working with children; she spent her gap year teaching children in Hong Kong and volunteering at a youth camp in Birmingham.

Speaking about joining the Blue Peter team, she said: “Being part of the Blue Peter team is such a surreal and exciting feeling. It’s my first time on the big screen and I can’t wait for all the adventures to come!’

Shini says the show had a big impact on her when she was younger, adding: “I have very fond memories of Blue Peter, Helen and Barney back in my day.

‘As a child I looked up to Helen Skelton; on screen she seemed fearless. She took on incredible challenges with such a willful attitude that I thought I could be fearless too.”

Shini will be sure to earn her Blue Peter badge with her first challenge by taking part in some incredible airplane aerobatics.

During her first live show on Friday, she also tries to wash Henry the dog and prepare a tasty treat.

Blue Peter Editor, Ellen Evans, said of the appointment: ‘Shini is an exciting new talent, who impressed us with her adventurous spirit, sense of humour, determination and ambition to make a positive impact on children’s lives .

As a digital creative, she has built a following online by creating a fun, positive space where she connects with young people, and I can’t wait for the Blue Peter audience to meet Shini too!’

Shini’s hiring comes four months after insiders shared their fears for the future of the show after popular presenter Mwaksy Mudenda quit, leaving just two presenters to anchor the show for the first time since long-standing daredevil presenter John Noakes joined 1965 when Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves joined.

Last year, popular presenter Mwaksy Mudenda (left) quit, leaving Joel Mawhinney and Abby Cook to co-host the show with Henry the dog

TV sources also expressed fears about the ratings, as they feared the broadcast on digital channel CBBC would struggle to keep up with platforms such as YouTube Kids, as well as other distractions such as computer games.

One told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It’s all a bit worrying. It used to be that if there was a departing presenter, a new one was immediately drafted to take over. It was as if they were passing on the baton from Blue Peter.

‘But in recent years they have really struggled. The fact that they have yet to replace Mwaksy is telling.

‘Losing three presenters in fourteen months has not been ideal. There is a feeling among the crew that Blue Peter is a sinking ship, and that is not a nice place to be.

‘It’s been such an institution, but Blue Peter has failed to keep up with the times and the magazine show format is tired.’

Mudenda’s departure followed the loss of presenter Richie Driss, 24, in March. A week later he was replaced by Scottish wheelchair racer Abby Cook, 20.

In July 2022, Adam Beales, 24, left the show after less than two years to get more “balance” in his life.

He was replaced by Bangor-born Joel Mawhinney, 26, who continues to present the show.

In 2011, Blue Peter was moved from the tea timeslot on BBC One to CBBC after the production team moved from London to Media City in Salford in Manchester.

Shini’s hiring comes four months after insiders shared their fears for the show’s future (pictured: former presenters John Noakes holding Shep the dog, Valerie Singleton holding Jason the cat and Peter Purves holding Petra in 1971)

In BBC One’s heyday, the program attracted almost eight million viewers.

But in 2017, a repeat episode failed to attract a single viewer – attracting 53,000 viewers five days after its initial broadcast.

The BBC declined to reveal its viewing figures, but did say a recent book competition received 6,000 entries.

A spokesperson downplayed the issues with the show, saying there are currently “no plans” to drop the show.

They added: ‘The program continues to be enjoyed by audiences on the CBBC channel and iPlayer.

‘Blue Peter has a track record of launching talent to great success in the entertainment industry, and we are always excited to see our presenters progress in their careers.

‘We have two new brilliant and popular presenters; social media star Joel Mawhinney and paralympian Abby Cook.”

Other notable presenters from recent decades include Anthea Turner, Janet Ellis, Yvette Fielding, Konnie Huq and Richard Bacon, who was fired in 1998 after being caught using cocaine.

In 2011, Blue Peter was moved from its tea timeslot on BBC One to CBBC. Pictured are Barney Harwood and Helen Skelton cuddling the dog Barney in 2011