Blue Peter: Helen Skelton Answers Your Questions

14th November 2011

All-action Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton dropped by the CBBC Office to answer a selection of your Messageboard questions. Read on to find out how Helen got her start in the TV industry and which member of the Royal Family she'd most like to interview...

I'd like to know, what's it like to be a national TV star? And how did you get into the TV industry? - WhiteChirpyElk

Helen: I started in local and commercial radio doing any job they would give me! I worked for free and did all the shifts others didn't want. I then joined Sportsround, Newsround and from there was asked to audition for Blue Peter. I love doing Blue Peter, it's not a job it's like playing out. I like it when people come and speak to me and chat about the show, it proves someone other than my mum is watching!

How often did you watch Blue Peter when you were younger? - CrimsonTwirlingPony

Helen: I have to be honest I watched a lot more Newsround when I was younger. I used to tape Newsround. I remember Katy Hill, the first time I met her was quite exciting!

Did you ever think you would be a Blue Peter presenter? - BlueGreenRaindropGrape

Helen: I never thought about it until I did the first audition! And then I knew it was my dream job because the audition was to do an assault course and then build a raft and cross a lake.

What do you like best about being on Blue Peter? - LilacCaramelKid

Helen: The team! They are a really fun team. Even in the studio the camera men dance to make us laugh.

Do you enjoy the challenges on Blue Peter? What's the scariest thing you have done on Blue Peter? - RoseReadingKestrel

Helen: The scariest thing I've ever done is get in the coffin with rats! I hate rats! The downhill skateboarding was also quite scary... But normally I like the challenges because they've been sporty and action-packed. It's the singing and dancing challenges that I find really intimidating!

Hi Helen, I would like to know why you are sooooooooooo competitive? - SepiaKindDolphin

Helen: I'm not as competitive as people think. A lot of the time I just play along. Yes, I like to win, but who doesn't?

Did you like going in the helicopter in the first episode? - MaroonRappingEagle

Helen: I loved being in the helicopter! They let me sit and dangle my legs out of the side. We had to make a sharp turn so it was more exciting than it was meant to be!

Have you ever messed up during a live show and how did you cover it up? - IvoryPlayingViper

Helen: All the time! I rely on Barney a lot. Sometimes you just have to acknowledge it and laugh. Once Joel and I forgot what we were saying and just stared down the camera for two minutes!

Hi Helen, who is your favourite guest star? - AzureTangyPanda

Helen: I liked Joe McElderry, but my absolute favourite was Emma Thompson. She got really stuck in and was really fun.

Hi Helen, my question is if you had the chance to interview anyone in the world who would it be?

P.S. you look great every time you are one Blue Peter! How do you look so great everyday? - ScarletNoseyGrape

Helen: I would like to interview Prince Harry. I think he seems interesting. I'd also like to interview Sir Sean Connery, mainly because I like his accent. Thanks for being so kind!

Does it get really annoying when you tell Barney to come over (meaning the dog!) and the human Barney comes over? - GingerSitarBobcat

Helen: Everytime I say "sit!" and the man does it - it was funny at first, but now it just makes me look bossy because people think I am shouting at the man!

I was wondering what your favourite type of cake is? - MustardClimbingHyena

Helen: Ice cream cake is soooo good! It's hard to get, but when you track it down it's worth it.

Who is your role model and why? - OrangePepperyButterfly

Helen: Jessica Ennis is an impressive lady. I've always said Ellen MacArthur. She's determined and when she sets her mind to something she always gets there.

Hey Helen, I was wondering what your favourite hobby was? - GingerBanjoMagnolia

Helen: I like going cycling. Being on Blue Peter you get lots of random hobbies, and you have to do them intensely for a short while!

If you could travel to any place in the world where would it be and why? - LilacCuriousBluebell

Helen: I'd love to go Thailand so I could swim in the sea and it be warm. I'd also like to go to the moon so that I can see the world. I want to see if it looks like it does in atlases!

Thanks for getting in touch. It's been lovely chatting to you. Remember you can always leave me a message on the CBBC messageboards. Speak soon. I've got to go as I've got a mammoth day of training tomorrow. Can't say too much but trust me, this one's a shocker!

A big thanks to all our Boardies who posted questions! Don't forget to keep an eye on the CBBC Messageboards for details of our next exciting webchat...