Katie Thistleton


Katie Lorna Thistleton is an English television and radio presenter, NCTJ qualified journalist and author, best known for her work across the CBBC channel. She presents a show on BBC Radio 1 with her co-presenter Cel Spellman.

Early life

Born in Manchester, Thistleton graduated from the University of Salford with a degree in English and Creative Writing, before qualifying as a NCTJ certified journalist after studying at News Associates, Manchester.
Thistleton previously worked for the NHS Pennine Care Mental Health Trust.

Career

Television

Thistleton is best known for her work presenting in CBBC HQ, hosting the live 'bits in between the shows'. She has done this since she was headhunted for the job in 2013, whilst working behind the scenes for CBBC as a PA and Researcher.
She hosts the CBBC Book Club on the CBBC channel. The Book Club role has seen Thistleton interviewing many leading authors, including David Baddiel, Cressida Cowell, Jeff Kinney, Michael Rosen, Holly Smale, and Jacqueline Wilson.
Thistleton has also appeared on a variety of CBBC shows, including All Over the Place, Blue Peter, Jedward's Big Adventure, The Dog Ate My Homework, and Sam & Mark's Big Friday Wind-Up. In March 2019, Katie Thistleton announced she would be leaving CBBC to focus on new projects. Her last day was on 29 March. It is unknown which presenter will take her place
Away from children's television, Thistleton has also appeared on Celebrity Eggheads, Celebrity Mastermind, and Children in Need.

Literary Roles

In addition to her televised literary work, Thistleton also hosts author events organised by major publishing houses, including Hachette, HarperCollins, and Penguin.
Thistleton is a regular at literary festivals, including the Edinburgh Literary Festival and Hay Festival. She has also judged The Blue Peter Book Awards and The Royal Society Young People's Book Prize.

Mental Health Ambassador

Thistleton is passionate about raising mental health awareness. She is an ambassador for mental health charities, Young Minds and Place2Be.

Radio

From May to December 2017, Thistleton hosted BBC Radio 1's The Surgery alongside Doctor Radha Modgil.
Thistleton currently hosts Life Hacks and The Official Chart: First Look on Radio 1 alongside Cel Spellman.

Book

Thistleton's debut book — Dear Katie: Real Problems, Real Advice — was published by the Orion Publishing Group in February 2018.