Konnie Huq, the former Blue Peter presenter, has stated that her Asian background likely helped her secure the job at the BBC. The 41-year-old, who served as the show's longest-running female host from 1997 to 2008, suggested that the corporation's push for political correctness played a role in her hiring.
In an interview with the Daily Star, Huq said: 'When I started out in television over 20 years ago, being Asian probably helped because the BBC had to be PC and get ethnic minorities in. Not that I don't think I'm talented. But back then, it helped pave the way.' She noted that television has since evolved, with many more ethnic minorities appearing on screen.
Huq pointed to the success of figures like Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain and BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty as evidence of increased diversity. However, she said she has been largely shielded from the racist abuse that others have faced, attributing this to her start in children's television, which she described as 'a much harder target'.
Earlier this month, Huq was voted Britain's favourite Blue Peter presenter in a RadioTimes.com poll of 7,000 readers, securing 30% of the vote. Reflecting on her tenure, she said: 'It was such fun. I think that's why I didn't leave, because if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
Huq, a Cambridge graduate and Labour supporter, married satirist Charlie Brooker in a secret Las Vegas ceremony in 2010. In 2015, she revealed that their marriage may not be legally recognised in the UK due to a failure to submit the necessary paperwork.
