Former 1990s children's television presenter Kirsten O'Brien has signed off from her midday show on BBC Berkshire, where she has worked for the last eight years, after revealing an exciting new career opportunity. The popular broadcaster will now join the BBC Radio 2 team in a different capacity, taking on traffic reporting duties starting next week.
Surprise Send-Off from Dick and Dom
On her final day at BBC Berkshire, O'Brien was surprised by fellow 1990s CBBC stars Dick and Dom, the duo known for their morning show Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow. Sharing a selfie with Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood on social media, O'Brien expressed her gratitude and excitement. She wrote: "Bit of news! Love that the lads surprised me today. I'm sad to be leaving BBC Berkshire as I've had a ball, but I can't wait to get stuck into doing the traffic reports on BBC 2 from Monday!" Although the trio never worked directly together, they became close friends as part of the CBBC presenting team during that era.
Emotional On-Air Farewell
During her final broadcast, O'Brien reflected on her eight-year tenure at the station, which included stints at Caversham Park, covering news, breakfast shows, and the last two years hosting the mid-morning slot. She told listeners: "I've really enjoyed it. I've done all sorts while I've been here. I've visited everywhere from Reading University to the tip. My kids have grown up since I first started—they weren't sleeping. We were talking to sleep experts about helping me out. And now, of course, I just get them for stories. They provide endless comfort for me. Mark as well, whose life plays out on the radio, poor fella. So I've always said I've come in here for a bit of a rest, a chat, to hear your stories as well and a bit of a laugh, and it's been absolutely brilliant."
Listener Reactions and New Beginnings
Listeners flooded social media with supportive messages. One wrote: "Wooooaahhhhh, what?! I did not have this on my Bingo card for 2026! Fantastic, Kirst!! Huge congrats." Another added: "Will be great to hear your voice on BBC Radio 2. Always brings a bit of nostalgia from the CBBC and SMart days!" O'Brien's slot on BBC Berkshire will be taken over by Brigitte Tetta. O'Brien first became a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s on CBBC, known for her partnership with Otis the Aardvark before joining the art show SMart in 1999, which also led to spin-offs SMarteenies and Smile.
