Fans of classic children's television were sent into a frenzy this week after a beloved group of CBBC presenters from the early 2000s reunited for a festive gathering. The iconic faces, who fronted some of the channel's biggest shows, came together for a beaming group photograph at a Christmas party, sending a wave of nostalgia across social media.
A Squad of Childhood Icons
The joyful reunion featured six well-remembered presenters. Ortis Deley, 52, known for hosting Live & Kicking and Xchange, was joined by former Blue Peter presenters Konnie Huq, 50, and Simon Thomas, 52. The group was completed by SMart hosts Kristen O'Brien, 53, and Rani Price, 51, alongside Best of Friends presenter Michael Absolom, 45.
The festive event was hosted by fellow children's television stars Angellica Bell, 49, of Xchange, and her husband Michael Underwood, 50, who presented the game show Whatever You Want. Ortis Deley shared the heartwarming snapshot on his Instagram, captioning it: "Whose childhood is this?! When the CBBC squad reunites." He added that Bell and Underwood had opened their home once again, making Christmas feel officially underway.
A Flood of Fond Memories
The post triggered an immediate and emotional reaction from fans who grew up watching these presenters. The comments section was flooded with grateful and excited messages from a generation revisiting their youth. One fan exclaimed, "Oh my god, brought me back to my inner child," while another wrote, "Me! and as a generation, we can’t thank you guys enough. You were such fantastic role models and made an incredible impact on our childhoods." Others simply stated, "Definitely my childhood," and "OH MY GOD ALL YOU PEOPLE MADE MY CHILDHOOD MAGICAL AND SPECIAL AND HAPPY."
Contrasting News in Children's Broadcasting
This uplifting reunion emerges amidst a more challenging period for children's broadcasting at the BBC. The corporation is reportedly facing pressure to adjust its Christmas television schedule concerning content involving children's author and comedian David Walliams. This follows allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female staff, which Walliams denies, stating he was not informed of any allegations or investigation.
An MP suggested the BBC would "probably be better being safe than sorry" and remove the 54-year-old from its festive line-up. However, a BBC spokesman confirmed "we're not making any changes to the festive schedules" but noted "we have no future projects directly involving David Walliams."
The BBC is scheduled to broadcast two TV adaptations of Walliams's books, Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress, on CBBC. He also appears as a panellist in a Boxing Day special of Would I Lie To You?, a recording which itself attracted controversy after Walliams performed Nazi salutes during filming.
This development coincides with HarperCollins's recent announcement that it will not publish any new titles by David Walliams following an internal investigation. Walliams's spokesperson has strongly denied any wrongdoing, confirming he is taking legal advice. Meanwhile, Walliams is currently on a pre-Christmas holiday in the Maldives with his son.
