Ant and Dec - rivals on SM:TV Live

"We're not expecting people to stop watching the other side straight away - we're going to use the next couple of months to get it right."

Behr will co-host The Saturday Show with former Top Of The Pops Plus presenter Joe Mace.

Their rapport, she says is "wicked".

"It's one of those things we hit it off immediately, it's been going really well and we're having a laugh," she said.

The pair have already fallen into roles for the new programme.

"Joe is the funny one and the kids love him and he takes the mickey out of them. I'm the straighter one and talk to the kids a bit more," she explained.

Children's TV

Behr's lack of experience in children's television is not an issue for her or the programme's creators, she maintains.

"I've not done kids TV but the way I am seems to be a hit with my friends who have kids. I'm not known for being cheesy and condescending.

Joe Mace will co-host the Saturday Show

"The BBC realised it had stiff competition and that it had to get with what the kids want and get it right."

Getting it right has meant big changes for BBC's traditionally child-friendly Saturday morning.

Behr said the show will have a "late-night studio" feel with bands more associated with Channel Four's TFI Friday and interaction with the audience a la Graham Norton.

"The early part of the show will appeal to a younger audience and as it gets later in the morning - when the adults start getting up - it will change," said Behr.

Being a presenter on the notorious late-night show The Word may seem like the right qualification then?

Scandalous

"I'm no wild child and the most controversial thing I've done on TV is The Word.

"That was scandalous in its day but compared to some of the things on TV today its quite tame."

Behr, 26, is adamant that the programme will still hold its appeal for the younger audience.

'I'm no Zoe Ball,' says Behr

"It's a bit like the Simpsons - the kids watch it for how they see it and the older viewers get the innuendos and political asides," she said.

Comparisons with other female presenters will be inevitable, Behr knows, once the show goes out.

Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston are remembered as part of a golden age when Live and Kicking broke new ground as a children's TV programme.

"You have to expect comparisons but my character is very different from Zoe's and I'm not going to try to be her," said Behr.

Behr and Mace have been in rehearsals this week with their new production crew.

"There's a great atmosphere and we're hoping the show will have a family atmosphere," said Behr.

A house band of five "cute" guys will join in the fun every week and viewers can look forward to a mix of cartoons, music, interviews and competitions, she adds.

"It will not be like anything else on TV at the moment."