YouTube star Adam Beales has been unveiled as the 40th presenter in Blue Peter's history.

The 20-year-old, who hails from Derry, will join the team as a new co-host for Lindsey Russell, Richie Driss and Mwaka Mudenda.

Beales was considering a university course at Cambridge or Oxford, having got 11 A* grades at GCSE, but changed his mind after his YouTube channel took off.

"I'm super excited to become Blue Peter Presenter number 40," he said. "I am humbled and ecstatic to be part of such a legendary production.

"It's kind of weird - in a super exciting way - that the show I once watched when I was younger, is now the show I will be presenting along with the talented Lindsey, Richie, Mwaksy and of course, Henry.

"I can't wait to get stuck in, even with the challenges they throw at me, though I am hoping none of them involve cheese - I hate cheese!"

Beales will make his debut in this week's episode, which airs live on the CBBC channel at 5.30pm on Thursday.