Cerrie Burnell is an author, actor and activist, best known for work on CBeebies. A role which has earned her critical recognition and a devoted fan base. During her time on CBeebies she has broken down barriers, challenged stereotypes and overcome discrimination.

Cerrie became one of the most visible disabled presenters on kids T.V. Alongside this Cerrie has worked closely with a number of charitable organisations linked to childhood and diversity, which she is passionate about.

Cerrie trained at Manchester Metropolitan school of acting. Her credits prior to Cbeebies include; Eastenders, The Bill, Comedy Lab, Holby City and many plays including Winged: A Fairytale, which she wrote and starred in.

Cerrie Burnell is the author of thirteen children’s books including Snowflakes, which she adapted for the stage with Oxford Playhouse in 2016. Also the Harper series, which was a World Book Day title in 2016.

As well as creating her one woman show the Magical Playroom which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013. Her latest book Wilder Than Midnight was Indie Book of the Month for May 2022.

Cerrie has been listed by The Guardian as one of the top ten children’s presenters of all time. She is a patron of Polka Theatre and has been an author in residence at Great Ormand Street. In 2017 Cerrie was awarded an honorary degree for services to Media from The Open University. She recently came third on the 2021 Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List.

Since leaving CBeebies, Cerrie has appeared in the BBC continuing drama Doctors and made the eye opening documentary Silenced for the BBC . And continues to dazzle as children’s author. Her none-fiction book I Am Not A Label published in July and was an Amazon US twenty best children’s nonfiction book of 2020.

Cerrie was the BBC’s Ambassador for Disability from 2021 to 2022.

Cerrie loves the city and the sea, and can be found somewhere in between dreaming up new stories, or having adventures with her daughter.

Benefits of attending: An opportunity to join in this in-conversation style event with a truly fascinating and inspirational person and hear more about her life and work.

Open to staff, students and visitors, this will be a popular event so book soon!