Grangemouth High former pupil Abby Cook is new Blue Peter presenter

Wheelchair racer Abby Cook has been announced as the 42nd presenter of the popular show. She joins Mwaka Mudenda, Joel Mawhinney and Henry the dog when she makes her debut on Friday.

Abby said she was “speechless” when she found out she had the role, adding: “I had to check it was true, it was a very emotional moment knowing I would actually be presenting a show I love and had grown up with.”

After attending her home town high school, Abby, now 20, studied applied biological science at Forth Valley College, Since then she has worked with Forth Valley Disability Sport, supporting disabled and non-disabled young people becoming active, and as a mental health project administrator for Scottish Disability Sport.

She also trains twice a week with Paralympians as part of the athletics club Forth Valley Flyers and said she also likes to do wheelies at her local skate park.

Now she has to combat her fear of heights as she takes on her first challenge to collect a Blue Peter badge by abseiling down Millers Dale Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Abby added: “Helen (Skelton) and (dog) Barney were my era, but I also became obsessed with watching You Decide when the public got to choose the latest presenter and they picked Lindsey (Russell).

“I remember thinking what a great role model she was, she had never presented before but here was this strong woman going on the show and doing an amazing job.

“I’m hoping to do the same because I know what a lasting impression the presenters can have on the audience.”

During her interview for Blue Peter, when she was not told it was a BBC show, she said “here’s one I made earlier” when playing the ukulele.

Blue Peter editor Ellen Evans said: “When Abby came to the studio, we knew she would be great for the show because she has an unstoppable ‘can do’ attitude.

“She’s up for any challenge and we know she’ll connect beautifully with our audience because she has a real affinity for working with young people, but she also has the biggest of hearts.”

Blue Peter is on Fridays at 5pm on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.