I always think that children just want everything to be straight forward

Angellica Bell

Hyperactivity and boundless enthusiasm and prerequisites for the job and as Bell prepares to run the London Marathon she certainly fits that criteria.

"I am all-day everyday kind of person. Some people don't like mornings but I don't see the point of waiting five hours to be happy," said Bell.

Ambitious

She joined the BBC from the Carlton Kids digital channel in 2000 and in that time her rise to the top of children's TV has been fast.

But then she has always been ambitious. Her first career choice was prime minister after studying politics at A-Level.

She had a place to study law but deferred to try her hand at media as she fancied a job where you could "turn up in trainers and chill out".

The launch of CBBC will see Bell present magazine-style interactive show Xchange, which will feature a mix of music, gossip, sport and entertainment.

It goes out live twice a day at 0700 and 1735GMT each weekday with a repeat at lunchtime.

Blue Peter's Konnie Huq will present the CBBC Top 40

She will also be part of the On Air team - the rebrand of the links between the shows.

A far cry from the days of the BBC broom cupboard which launched the careers of Andi Peters and Phillip Schofield.

Bell has never had a problem relating to younger viewers, gaining experience from having two younger sisters.

"I always think that children just want everything to be straightforward, with no complications.

"Obviously there is a difference between introducing the Tweenies, where I tend to sing along, and introducing Grange Hill later on for older viewers."

No hierarchy

Other presenters on CBBC include Blue Peter's Konnie Huq, former CITV presenter Fearne Cotton and Live and Kicking's Ortis.

They will work on a rota basis, spread across terrestrial and digital channels.

Bell emphasises there is no division or hierarchy between who works on which channel.

Despite Bell's experience of live television, she admits she is still nervous about the launch.

"I always get nervous, but I think it helps. I'm also really excited, I want this to be great for children."