George Webster, the 22-year-old CBeebies presenter, Bafta winner, author, and Down's syndrome ambassador, has always dreamed of performing. 'I remember I used to love performing as a kid,' he says. 'I dreamed of doing lots of things, like acting, being on TV, films, stage.' His mother, Jane, recalls: 'You've always liked dressing up and entertaining people. If there was nobody to entertain, you'd entertain yourself in the mirror.'
Webster's dreams have become reality. He is a regular CBeebies presenter, has acted on stage and screen, and was a contestant on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special with pro dancer Amy Dowden. 'Amy's lovely,' he says. 'We're good friends now.' He has also written a children's picture book autobiography, This Is Me, which celebrates individuality and encourages readers to dream big.
Webster has Down's syndrome. As a child, he struggled with speech and fine motor skills, learning Makaton to communicate. He still finds some tasks challenging, like tying laces, but his family emphasises that strengths and weaknesses are part of everyone's uniqueness. 'Everyone has their own talents, uniqueness, strengths and weaknesses,' Webster says. 'We can all dream big, no matter who we are.'
Growing up, Webster saw no one with Down's syndrome on TV or in books. 'At that time, they thought people like me shouldn't go to mainstream school,' he says. His parents faced similar challenges: Jane's cousin with Down's syndrome was denied education, and Rob saw no representation in media or community. Webster attended mainstream school and loved it, though his mother had to fight for support. 'I decided not to be shy,' Jane says. 'I had to be quite tough.'
Webster's father, Rob, notes the change: 'Kids are growing up now seeing George at school and on the telly and it's totally normal; they're getting a completely different outlook.' Webster hopes his book and public presence continue to inspire others, showing that disability does not limit potential.
