“It was daunting, giving up a regular job for a freelance world, where every day off is a day of unemployment and you are conscious you are not earning. But it was time to take a gamble and see what's on the other side.”

British television and radio presenter, screenwriter and children's author, born 1975

Konnie Huq is a British television and radio presenter, screenwriter and children's author. Born in 1975, she is best known for her long run on the children's programme Blue Peter, where she became the show's longest-serving female presenter, appearing from 1997 to 2008. She has also worked across other television and radio projects, including serving as a presenter and guest on the 2010 series of The Xtra Factor on ITV2. Her work spans presenting, writing, and children's media.