Parents complain that disabled TV presenter is scaring children

Disability charities have expressed anger after a number of parents complained that a one-armed children's TV presenter was frightening their children.

Cerrie Burnell, who was born with one arm, began co-presenting Cbeebies 'Do And Discover' slot with Alex Winters last month. She has a broad range of success as an actor, both in the theatre and on television.

But parents on online forums have claimed she 'frightens' their children. Poster Barry wrote: "Is it just me, or does anyone else think the new woman presenter on Cbeebies (Cerrie Burnell) may scare the kids because of her disability?



"I didn't want to let my children watch the filler bits on the bedtime hour last night because I know it would have played on my eldest daughter's mind and possibly caused sleep problems... and yes, this is a serious post." Other posters suggest the BBC employed Miss Burnell to 'score points' and accused the channel of positive discrimination.

Sue Stokes, from the charity Reach, said they were appalled by the negative reaction."We are appalled that parents are talking on behalf of their children," she said.

"Children don't notice the differences. The parents need to think about how they would feel if it were their child born without an arm. It is great for children with disabilities to see people like them on the television."