Leo Ollson, a filmmaker and adventurer known for the 'world's longest bucket list', has been named as Blue Peter's 45th presenter. He will make his first appearance on the show on Friday 20th November, when he will earn his Blue Peter badge by joining a formation skydive and being awarded the badge 4,000ft in the air.
From Jersey to the BBC
Leo has built a loyal online following by encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills and embrace new experiences. He documents ambitious personal challenges through his hugely popular 'world's longest bucket list' project.
He joins the BBC show, which premiered in 1958 and underwent a relaunch a year ago, following in the footsteps of familiar faces like Countryfile's Matt Baker and Morning Live's Gethin Jones.
'No other show in the world'
Leo said there was "no other show in the world" like Blue Peter, reports the Mirror. He said: "Where else would you find a presenter trying to cross the Irish Sea in a Zorb ball, or walk a tightrope between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station?"
Growing up in Jersey, Leo's role models were the people he watched online and on television. He added: "So now I want show kids that you can go out and do whatever you want to do, take on a challenge, big or small! It's a privilege to join a programme with such an incredible legacy, and I can't wait to meet the audience, take on new challenges, and go on some unforgettable adventures together."
A natural storyteller
Leo was born in London in 2003 to Swedish parents, before moving to Jersey with his family. He began making videos from a young age, initially sharing technology reviews on YouTube. After school, Leo spent a year studying at the London School of Economics before leaving to pursue his ambition of becoming a filmmaker.
From learning to play the piano and building a surfboard from scratch to taking on extraordinary experiences around the world, Leo's films encourage audiences to discover what they are capable of achieving. His uplifting and authentic storytelling has attracted more than 13 million likes and over 454,000 followers across social media platforms.
Sarah Muller, BBC Senior Head of Children's Commissioning, described Leo as "a natural storyteller" and said he was the "perfect fit" for the programme. She continued: "His determination, passion for adventure and inspiring others reflects everything the programme stands for, and we're excited to welcome him to the team."
Blue Peter's enduring legacy
The first episode of Blue Peter aired in October 1958 on the BBC and it has since been enjoyed by generations of children. In September 2025 it underwent a relaunch and is now seen across BBC iPlayer and digital platforms.
The Blue Peter YouTube channel has attracted more than 21.1 million views and the programme has also generated more than 6.8 million streams on BBC iPlayer. Today, more than 340,000 children aged 5 to 15 hold at least one Blue Peter badge, while the website attracts over 2 million visits annually.
