BAFTA Kids Unveils Winner of Young Presenter Contest

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and First News have revealed that 8-year-old Braydon Bent from Manchester has won BAFTA Kids’ Young Presenter competition.

As the winner, Bent will present BAFTA’s behind-the-scenes coverage at the British Academy Children’s Awards ceremony on November 26 at The Roundhouse in London. He will talk to guests, nominees and winners throughout the night. His highlights will be available to view on YouTube.

The four runners-up in the BAFTA Kids Young Presenter competition will be able to present for the First News website and at other BAFTA events throughout the year. They are Olly Robinson, a 12-year-old from Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex; Kade Bailey Smith, an 11-year-old from Lambeth, London; Jessica Dawson-King, a 14-year-old from Christchurch, Dorset; and Harrison Gunn, an 11-year-old from Potton, Bedfordshire.

Helen Blakeman, chair of the BAFTA Children’s committee, said: “Our BAFTA Kids Young Presenter competition gives youngsters the opportunity to learn more about the art of presenting—and we have received such a high standard of entries this year. Braydon presented with such ease and confidence, it was no surprise to discover he’s proven popular with Manchester City fans through his very own vlog. Through presenting for BAFTA Kids, we hope to introduce him to a wider audience, while also giving him the opportunity to learn from the U.K.’s leading personalities. He, along with the four other shortlisted entrants, has shown great talent and we’re delighted to be able to give them all the once-in-a-lifetime chance to present at BAFTA events throughout the year.”

Nicky Cox, editor-in-chief at First News, said: “It was a real privilege to be part of the judging panel again for this year’s BAFTA Kids Young Presenter competition. I am in no doubt that we were seeing young people who, one day, will be famous faces on our television screens. I am delighted that First News will be giving several of these children the opportunity to hone their skills now, presenting reports on our online news channel, First News Live!”

Bent added: “I can’t believe I have won it from the little video that I made with Dad, it’s brilliant. I’m so excited to speak to all the people I’ve watched on the TV and I can’t wait to go out and give an award on the stage. It’s all so exciting and I even get to wear a smart suit!”