why are all CBeebies presenters so young?

[Ashleys63]

Maybe it's because I'm in my 50's but they all look so young to me.
I watch it with my GS and feel it would be nice to have the older generation represented, maybe someone in their 50's or 60's ( grandparent age )
I don't think they've ever had older people presenting it - when my dc were young it was Philip Schofield and Andy Crane in the broom cupboard. I wonder why?

You wonder why Philip Schofield and Andy Crane were in the broom cupboard?

I think we all now know why......😩

Wikipedia tells me that Andy Crane and Philip Scofield were both 23 when they started in the broom cupboard, so I think this might be a perception issue!

**I think we all now know why......😩

@Mariell, no why? What are you suggesting?

I think they often have older presenters/celebs reading the Bedtime Story?

Younger people are cheaper and keen to prove themselves. Children's TV is usually a springboard to other things.

Notable exception being Justin Fletcher!

Philip and Andy were also young, that's what I'm saying - and that was back in the early 90's.
My point is, why not be more inclusive and have much older presenters too?

I don’t think they’re young, I think you feel old.

But, can we just take a moment to celebrate he face that George Webster is a new CBeebies presenter. 🎉🙌🎉🙌

Blue Peter always said that their presenters were intended to be like big brothers and sisters to the viewers - probably the same thing

Sid was about 46 when he left Cbeebies.

Maybe children relate to people nearer their age more easily.

Also I don’t think Justin Fletcher or Sarah Honeywell were sub 40 when they were doing it.

The newest one is a 20yo with Downs Syndrome. Brilliant role model for the children.

Many of the presenters seem to stay for years so they may be young when they start, but not the whole time.

Because they want youthful energy? With the greatest of respect, it’s not aimed at you, it’s aimed at your grandchildren, who want to look up to slightly older versions of themselves - they’re supposed to be like the cool older brothers and sisters.

I don’t think it’s a big issue, really - the actual programming itself has more diversity of age.

Sarah-Jane, sorry.

Absolutely - George is wonderful.

Children do often seem to be drawn to young, pretty people. Plus they require their presenters to be 'silly' in a way that might feel a bit demeaning for someone who looks/seems like a 'grown up'.

George is amazing!

Philip was in the broom closet for a long time

@NoSquirrels

Because they want youthful energy? With the greatest of respect, it’s not aimed at you, it’s aimed at your grandchildren, who want to look up to slightly older versions of themselves - they’re supposed to be like the cool older brothers and sisters.

I don’t think it’s a big issue, really - the actual programming itself has more diversity of age.

Oh right. That makes sense I suppose.

What about Show Me Show Me with Chris and Pui? Great programme for little ones and I think they both sometimes present links on the channel too. Chris Jarvis was on Broom Cupboard back in the day, he’s now 52. Pui Fan Lee was the original Po Tellytubby in the costume She’s now 50.

Chris Jarvis of ‘Show me Show me’ is 52.

I think some of them have good lighting and makeup too.

Ha, cross post.

Andy Day (various Andy’s adventures programmes plus between programme links on the channel) is 40.

Chris Jarvis is 52 and Pui Fan Lee is 50!! Noooo. Now I feel old,

Sid Sloane is 54 now, so was presenting CBeebies until his mid-40s. And Andy Day is 40. I suspect the presenters are deliberately chosen as eye candy for mums (as it is usually mums) watching CBeebies with their toddlers, so they are young but not indecently so.

CBBC, on the other hand, is aimed at older children who are more likely to be watching without their parents, so the presenters here are more like cool older siblings.

Chris and Pui are looking good on it!