Cerrie Burnell

One of the few visibly disabled presenters on television, Cerrie Burnell's story is one of amazing positivity and tenacity.

Born without a right forearm and hand, Cerrie has never let her disability hold her back. A natural entertainer, at 15 years old Cerrie joined the National Youth Theatre where she got her first taste of acting. Following a gap year spent volunteering at a Leprosy Centre in India, Cerrie studied Theatre Arts and Acting at Manchester Metropolitan University. After graduating, Cerrie journeyed to Brazil where she undertook an internship with Augusto Boals' Political Theatre Company, CTO Rio. Here she studied the techniques of forum theatre, in prisons, schools and within the favellas.

Returning to England, Cerrie attained a place on the BBC Talent Fund, run by the BBC, Channel 4 and the Actors Centre, introducing directors to disabled talent. Cerrie's talent was evident and it was not long before she she was offered television parts in 'Holby City', 'EastEnders', 'The Bill' and a regular role in 'Grange Hill'.

Soon after having her first child, Cerrie landed a presenting job on BBC pre-school channel CBeebies and with her warm and friendly demeanour, she proved to be a natural. However within a month of beginning, Cerrie began to attract some negative comments from a minority of parents regarding her disability. Refusing to hide away, Cerrie appeared on a number of television shows in order to share her story and in doing so gained widespread public support.

A popular presenter on CBeebies, Cerrie recently spearheaded their Children In Need appeal 'Jump Up and Dance'. Devising a song and dance routine which children were encouraged to learn and perform in order to raise money. She also appeared on CBeebies co-host Justin Fletcher's show 'Justin's House.'

Naturally endearing Cerrie has become a well respected and recognisable face. She was named in The Observer's list of the top ten children's presenters of all time earning a favourable comparison with veteran television and radio presenter Valerie Singleton. Cerrie also featured in The Guardian's list of the 100 most inspirational women where she received praise for 'tackling disability head on'.

Alongside her work for CBeebies, Cerrie continues to make frequent television appearances. Featuring on shows including 'The One Show', 'Celebrity Mastermind', 'Beauty and the Beast', 'The Wright Stuff', 'The Hour' and 'Celebrity Eggheads'. Cerrie recently featured alongside other top television talent including Reggie Yates and Konnie Huq on Channel 4's 'Diverse Nation', a documentary celebrating the on screen talent that showcase the rich diversity of the UK.

Proving her versatility as a presenter, Cerrie joined Channel 4 for its coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Presenting from pool side, Cerrie covered all of the Paralympic swimming events. She has also recently appeared on BBC current affairs debate show 'Newsnight' joining a panel of experts to discuss ''positive'' eugenics.

Outside of television Cerrie is regularly invited to host a number of award shows and live events including Radar's People of the Year Awards, the AMI Awards, the National Diversity Awards, hosting various storytelling events at some of the country's leading literature festivals and the main stage at children's festival Lollibop. She has narrated an interactive children's story 'Princess Petal and The Trap Door' which is available as an app for the iPad and performed in many pantos. This year she will be playing the part of Alice Fitzwarren in Dick Whittington at the Hazlitt Arts centre.

A keen supporter of charity Cerrie spends much of her time working closely with a number of organisations close to her heart. She is an Ambassador for children's charity Coram and has most recently become an ambassador for Booktrust. Alongside this Cerrie is a Fellow for the Foundling Museum for whom she has worked on several projects including a drama workshop for disabled children and organising and curating her own photo exhibition 'Baby Love'. Cerrie's work for the Foundling Museum has led to an invitation to join the judging panel for The Clore Award for Museum Learning. Cerrie also works closely with body image charity Body Gossip and has contributed to their films, live shows and upcoming Channel 4 television show featuring Gok Wan.

Cerrie is an active supporter of the Get London Reading campaign and appeared front page on the Evening Standard speaking out about her struggle with dyslexia and how she was unable to read until 10 years old, in the hope of inspiring others. Having overcome her own literacy problems Cerrie is now a keen writer. She writes regular pieces for parenting magazine Gurgle and has written and staged her own play 'Winged: A Fairy Tale', which she continues to develop.

Having signed with one of the UK's leading literary agencies RCW, Cerrie is now working on a number of other exciting writing projects, including her highly anticipated children's picture book 'Snowflakes' which will be published in September 2013.

This Summer Cerrie plans to tour her one woman show 'The Magical Playroom'. A delightful new show for children aged 3 to 6, written and performed by Cerrie, with direction from Hal Chambers and original music specially composed by Bill McGruddy. Cerrie begins touring in July and will be visiting venues such as the Southbank Centre's Udderbelly and Edinburgh Festival.

An inspiration to many, Cerrie continues to further her presenting credentials while cementing her status as one of the most popular and relevant children's television personalities around.