Hooton librarian meets head of CBBC in bid for TV fame

Jan 18 2012 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Ellesmere Port Pioneer

A BUDDING TV presenter met the boss of CBBC as he mounts a bid for stardom.

Carl Loghlin-Ravenscroft, of Dudley Crescent, Hooton, recently came second a national search to find a presenter for M&S TV, an online TV station set up by Marks & Spencer.

Carl appealed for votes in the Pioneer in November, and people responded.

He made it to the final three in London.

Carl said: “They said I was fantastic, but felt I was more suited to children’s TV, which was a bit gutting as I had asked everyone to vote, and then had people asking me for weeks how I got on.

“But then from being second, an agent rang me and asked could he represent me. He represents Gordon Burns and a few other TV presenters.”

Carl works as a library manager at Wallasey Village Library but in his spare time has made children’s book review videos as well as dressing as different characters to talk about books.

One such character, Grandpa Joe, reads traditional children’s stories but pulls disgusting props out of his book. When talking about Red Riding Hood being eaten, he pulls out her hand. Carl’s videos are all uploaded on to his website (www.CarlOnTV.com).

Carl’s new agent worked fast, securing a meeting with head of CBBC Helen Bullough.

Carl said: “She loved my videos and website and said to try and encourage anyone to go on, so that the views go up and so if anyone asks her about me she can say ‘and hes got 3,000 views on his videos’.

“ I’m now in talks with Waterstones to hold Gruesome Grandpa Joe storytelling sessions.

“So I’m using my skills and experience in the library, adding a bit of my TV presenting, and creating something that hopefully will bring books to life, encourage kids to get into reading, in a way that’s modern using online video and live theatre.”