Kirsten O'Brien

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Kirsten O'Brien is a seasoned television presenter with a career spanning over 20 years. She is known for her work on various platforms, including current affairs reporting on the BBC programme Inside Out. Additionally, she has hosted documentaries such as How The NHS Changed Our World on BBC Two and is currently involved in the production of River Walks for BBC One.

In addition to her television work, Kirsten can be heard on radio stations like TalkRADIO and BBC Berkshire. She also serves as the voice for continuity announcements on Sky One. Beyond broadcasting, she frequently hosts live events for institutions like the English National Opera and the Royal Ballet.

Kirsten's career commenced in 1996 on CBBC's Broom Cupboard alongside Otis the Aardvark. She subsequently hosted a variety of children's TV programs, including Smile, Springwatch Trackers, Totally Doctor Who, Short Change, and the popular art show SMart, along with its spin-offs Smarteenies, SMart on the Road, and Smart Hart alongside Tony Hart.

Transitioning from children's television, Kirsten delved into documentary filmmaking. Notable works include Kirsten’s Topless Ambition, examining the trend of children’s presenters posing for racy magazine shoots. She became a prominent figure on BBC3, hosting programs like Britain’s Most Embarrassing Parents, Botox Britain: Your Face In Their Hands, and Eastenders Live: The Aftermath. Her collaboration with Will Mellor on World’s Toughest Driving Test resulted in her obtaining a tank driving license.

In 2007, Kirsten ventured into stand-up comedy, culminating in a successful Edinburgh Festival show titled "Confessions of a Children’s TV Presenter."

Despite starting a family in 2011, Kirsten remained active, participating in Let’s Dance for Sport Relief merely 10 weeks after giving birth. Recently, she welcomed twins into her family and is currently writing a book detailing her IVF experience.

Beyond her media career, Kirsten has a passion for property renovation, having remodelled homes in both the UK and France, where she owns a holiday property.

Kirsten has achieved two Guinness World Records and counts her victory on The Weakest Link as one of her proudest moments on television.

With her wonderful charm, energy and patience, Kirsten is an extremely successful and popular host and is much in demand for corporate events.
 
 
The schools concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday evening was the best yet according to the Event Manager and the general feedback. Kirsten was as usual brilliant, hosting the event and engaging with the children and audience.  Kirsten hosted for Barnardos 2011 and 2012
 
Kirsten was so lovely and friendly, happily chatting to guests and in particular the children over lunch. We had some major technical problems during the ceremony and Kirsten was wonderful keeping everyone interested and getting children up to talk about their schools, as the presentations they had prepared wouldn't work¦ It would not have felt anywhere near as successful had it not been for Kirsten's flexibility and relaxed approach and we are truly grateful that she was there to help. Kirsten hosted the Church School Awards 2012
 
A HUGE thanks again to Kirsten for making the tour such an almighty success, and for taking opera to nearly 4000 kids from 35 schools in 21 shows¦ Thank you for being such a wonderful face of it all, and approaching each show with enthusiasm and sparkle. Kirsten hosted English National Opera's Opera Squad School Tour in 2011 and 2012
 
 

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