There are a number of new changes in Michael's life. He has left the BBC, he's gone freelance, he's signed a deal with ITV and he's becoming a home owner for the first time - moving from London back to Northampton.

Michael showing off his new hair-style.

He's also creating a new image for himself: "I've had a big change of hair. I used to have a normal afro and they used to shear me like a sheep. I put it into those 'spikes' which you've seen for the last six months at CBBC. And now I've changed it again into these braides. The pop star Shaggy has it this way. I'm moving on, I guess; you need to change with the times."

How to get your big break

It was not just luck that got Michael his big break. He had the self confidence and the perserverance. But what advice does he have for young people wanting to get into television?

For him, he says, it was getting involved in amateur dramatics: "I had a lucky break at the Royal Theatre in Northampton when I was 10-years-old in Oliver. That's where I got a taste for being on stage entertaining people.

"If you feel you've got the bug to act or present, get out there. Do it!"

Michael says young people should join local drama clubs. "It's fantastic to meet other people who share your dreams and what you like. You learn from them and they learn from you."

Looking good on camera

When it comes to breaking into television, the demo tape is all-important: "Unfortunately in television, no-one looks at your CV any more. What they want to see is how you come across on screen. It's about looks and talent.

Michael and his former CBBC colleagues.

"If you can portray yourself as 'you' on video tape - being friendly and fun, whatever your personality is - if you put that across and you're genuine, then fingers crossed it'll work out."

So after three years as a popular children's TV presenter, what does the future hold for Michael Underwood?

"I think I've probably got another two years left in children's TV. It's difficult to put a time-limit on it. I've sort of set myself that target. Hopefully in two years I'll have done enough to move on.

No more chatting to glove puppets

"I don't think I should stay in children's TV for ever. I think if you stay too long, that's where you'll be, full stop. I've got bigger dreams.

"I had an ambition to be a children's TV presenter and I've been very lucky. Then you push the boundaries further, so now I'd like to start a production company and produce my own programmes, maybe appear in some of them, maybe write them or maybe just help develop them.

"It's a creative thing inside which I have to explore even more."

Michael Underwood has so much during the last three years, there's no telling how far he'll get in the next three.

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