Cerrie Burnell was born without a right arm or right forearm.
She was riding at two, did ballet from three, and swimming a bit later.
She grew up in Eastbourne and went to Cavendish School.
Cerrie is now an actress, author and former CBeebies presenter.
And she has just become the BBC’s first Disability Ambassador.
Cerrie will work closely with commissioning and production teams over the next 12 months to champion authentic on-screen portrayal of disability.
Earlier this year, she presented BBC Two documentary Silenced: The Hidden Story of Disabled Britain, part of a slate of content to mark the 25th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act.
She said: “I’m beyond excited to be working with the BBC to elevate disability narratives so they become integral to all storytelling and ground-breaking content in a deeply authentic and enlightening way.”
Kay Ashton, BBC Creative Diversity Disability Lead, says: “I’ve lived with a disability all my life, so I know how important it is to see people with disabilities, and our lives, portrayed accurately and authentically.
“We must continue to reframe how we represent people with disabilities and if the BBC is to lead the industry in all areas of creative diversity, then we must make tangible changes now. I’m excited to get to work.”
The BBC set out its 50:20:12 workforce targets in September 2020, which will see the broadcaster employ 50 percent women; at least 20 percent black, Asian or minority ethnic staff; and at least 12 percent disabled people.