Edward Barnes: Last News

BBC children's programme Newsround is 50 years old in April.The show, co-founded by John Craven and Edward Barnes, has been a staple part of children's lives since April 4 1972 and has paved the way for modern news reporting.It has also inspired the next generation of journalists across the world, including BBC Entertainment reporter Lizo Mzimba and ITV journalist Julie Etchingham.But do you really know what it is like to be a Newsround presenter? And why the programme has been such a trailblazer?To celebrate Newsround's 50th anniversary, Daily Star has spoken to presenters past and present about the programme - including some of its behind the scenes secrets.Newsround presenters through the decades have interviewed some of the biggest stars from the world of entertainment and sport, as well as figures from business, politics and education.Although you might think that the presenters would become used to talking to such huge public figures, there were still moments when the hosts became starstruck - especially when they met their heroes.Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ore Oduba, who presented Newsround between 2008-2013, said he was lost for words when he interviewed his childhood hero, and sporting legend, David Beckham - especially as posters of him were still on his childhood bedroom wall at his parents' house.However one star that all the Newsround presenters agreed that they were starstruck by, was none other than one of their very own - the TV icon John Craven.Speaking at the Newsround 50th anniversary press day, lots of presenters past and present said they were in awe of meeting Newsround co-founder John Craven, with former presenter Sonali Shah saying: "I said we've got to get a photo [with John Craven].

CBBC programme Newsround have revealed their most memorable moments as the show turns 50 - including one former host who met her husband behind the scenes.The iconic children's news programme celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 4, and has become a huge part audiences lives since it was co-founded by John Craven and Edward Barnes in 1972.Many young people have memories of turning on Newsround on BBC One at 5.25pm, where between 1972-1989 John Craven would explain the latest news events that were taking place, in a way that was clear and accessible to the audience - without being patronising.One of the many future journalists to watch John Craven in the seventies was none other than ITV's Julie Etchingham, who admired the way that Newsround made current affairs accessible to a young audience."I was one of lucky generations that got the great John Craven, and no doubt whetted my appetite for what I ended up doing as a career," said Julie.Talking about her own first day on set, Julie explained that her audition has made her nervous, but that her first day also had a huge impact on her life - as it was where she met her future husband."My first day on set was a bit of blur.

  “Edward made sure that, after I left Blue Peter, I had plenty of work from the BBC Children’s department.”He added: “I remember him best when we filmed in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1989, and we worked well together. RIP Ted.”