Former Children’s TV Presenter Michael Underwood Is Now A School Teacher

Former CBBC and CITV presenter Michael Underwood has had a career switch and is now working as a school teacher.

Underwood, who first appeared on CBBC all the way back in 1999, trained as a teacher before he got his big break, so when TV work dried up he took a job as a primary school teacher.

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Over the years he presented kids' TV favourites including Jungle Run and Ministry of Mayhem alongside Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, he also had a stint on Dancing on Ice in 2008 but pulled out due to a broken ankle.

In 2014 he fronted ITV series Let Me Entertain You, as well as appearing on Surprise Surprise and Real Stories with Ranvir Singh.

But he's now gearing up to get back into the classroom when schools reopen next week.

Speaking to the Mirror he said that his former presenting skills have come in handy during lockdown lessons and remote learning, saying 'it's almost like being on camera'.

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He added: "I feel particularly sorry for working parents who have been finding this time very stressful.

"It's also been incredibly challenging teaching during lockdown.

"It's amazing what teachers are doing when it comes to remote learning.

"If you don't realise what teachers have been doing, then you might be thinking, 'oh this is easy for them - they don't have to go into school, they're just sat at home just churning out some lessons they've already done before'.

"But it's actually been a lot of work.

Underwood teaches year four kids, who are eight and nine, and has been at his current school for three years.

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Explaining why he decided to pack in presenting, Underwood, who is married to former CBBC co-star Angelica Bell, told the news outlet: "The phone stopped ringing.

"It's just not a nice place to be in. I needed to make a decision.

"I thought you know what I've got my teaching degree, I've got 20 years in broadcasting behind me, maybe I can take that skill set and put it to good use.

"Help build children's confidence, help them with their oracy, their presenting skills. That's when I thought, 'Yeah, let's grab the bull by the horns and maybe take a step out into a different career'."

And I bet it's a good talking point at parents evening.

Topics: TV and Film, UK Entertainment

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19