CBeebies hires George Webster, their first presenter with Downs Syndrome

Virgin Radio

21 Sep 2021, 14:33

George Webster is set to appear as a guest host on the children’s BBC channel.

The BBC’s early years TV channel CBeebies has appointed 20 year old George Webster as their first host with Downs Syndrome. George will be appearing as a guest presenter from the famous CBeebies house, hosting links between shows and his own segments from the BBC studios in Salford. 

George Webster is an actor, dancer, and representative for Mencap, a charity that works with people with learning disabilities. George first appeared in a BBC Bitesize video dispelling myths about Downs Syndrome, which sparked CBeebies interest in bringing him on board as a host.

George told the BBC "Today's reaction has been amazing and I am so happy to have so much support. I am over the moon and overjoyed. It's brilliant. All the positive feedback has been overwhelming."

There was an outpouring of support and praise for the decision on Twitter, with a plethora of parents sending out messages. 

Cardiff mum Susan Corcoran tweeted “My friend's three year old granddaughter was with Downs. They worry about her future, how others will treat her outside of their family and friendship group. This gives me faith that her life won't be as hard as that of previous generations”

Another mum, Amanda, echoed this sentiment. “That is wonderful. George. What a presenter, full of energy! My sister - currently aged 40 and with Downs - would have loved this as a child. My boys - in their teens - would have loved this. The entire CBeebies audience will be happier because of George.”

CBeebies audiences seem excited to see newfound diversity arriving to the channel, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

There hasn’t been an official date released for when we’ll first see George on the channel, but CBeebies have assured us it will be “very soon”.