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Blue Peter is delighted to announce that popular C³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ face Barney Harwood is joining the flagship programme as its 35th presenter.

Barney will join current presenters Andy Akinwolere and Helen Skelton in the studio on Monday 17 January. The announcement was made in today’s programme when Barney broke off from rehearsals for Peter Pan, the pantomime he's appearing in this Christmas, to tell viewers that he'd be joining the show in the New Year.

Speaking about his latest career move, Barney said: "Being a children's presenter is an ambition that I have already fulfilled but becoming a Blue Peter presenter is simply the icing on the cake.

"I cannot wait to start work with Andy and Helen, wear my badge on screen for the very first time and tackle some exciting challenges."

Barney started his career at the tender age of 17 in the boyband Goal and made the move into presenting two years later on the popular music show Planet Pop. He then joined C³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ as a presenter on Smile and, in 2007, won the Bafta for Best TV Presenter. He has most recently been seen on screen on C³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Basil and Barney's Swap Shop.

Barney's talents extend off screen as well as on. A keen musician, he composed the theme tune to Bear Behaving Badly and contributed to some of the music on Prank Patrol.

Tim Levell, editor of Blue Peter, said: "Barney is a household name for C³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ viewers. He is a versatile presenter with a wealth of passion and experience and is a great new member to the Blue Peter team."

Blue Peter is the longest-running children's programme in the world. The twice-weekly factual magazine show has been entertaining, exciting and enthralling children for decades.

Each programme features a unique variety of films and studio items which cover a huge range of diverse subjects which could include sport, inspiring children, adrenaline-filled adventures, marvellous makes or a unique take on history and science.

Blue Peter is on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4.35pm. The series returns on Tuesday 4 January 2011.

VT