Cerrie Burnell is an author, actress, and former BBC children's channel CBeebies presenter. She has an upper limb difference and dyslexia, which did not stop her from pursuing her passion for acting and writing, training at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Cerrie's acting career includes roles in popular television shows like EastEnders, The Bill, Holby City, and Grange Hill. In 2007, she wrote and starred in her own play, Winged: A Fairytale, which premiered at the Tristan Bates Theatre. In 2009, Cerrie joined CBeebies as a presenter, featuring in programmes like Discover and Do and The Bedtime Hour. She played a key role in challenging stereotypes related to disability and remained with the channel for eight years, gaining critical acclaim and a loyal following.
As a children's author, Cerrie has written thirteen books, including Snowflakes, adapted for the stage in 2016, and the Harper Series, a World Book Day title. Her book Wilder Than Midnight was named Indie Book of the Month in May 2022, and I Am Not A Label, published in July 2020, was recognized as one of Amazon US's best children's nonfiction books of the year.
Cerrie is also an activist, working with charities focused on childhood and diversity. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including being listed by The Guardian as one of the top ten children’s presenters and receiving an honorary degree from The Open University in 2017. In 2021, she ranked third on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List.
Since leaving CBeebies, Cerrie has continued her work in television, appearing in the BBC drama Doctors and creating the documentary Silenced. She served as the BBC’s Ambassador for Disability from 2021 to 2022. Cerrie enjoys the city and the sea, often drawing inspiration from her writing experiences as a mother. She is also a sought-after motivational speaker, addressing topics such as disability and women in the workplace.
