Horsham boy, 11, wins prestigious BAFTA Young Presenters competition

Sam Townsend was selected from hundreds of entries nationwide and will now receive a year-long programme of presenting opportunities, industry mentoring and event appearances through BAFTA.

The competition, which is aimed at young people aged 10 to 14 and 15 to 18, asked entrants to submit a short video exploring what the theme ‘This is My Place’ meant to them.

Sam was one of eight finalists chosen to take part in a day of live auditions at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in London.

During the auditions, the finalists demonstrated their presenting skills by interviewing TV presenter Angellica Bell and BBC Radio 1 film critic Ali Plumb.

Sam impressed the judges with his confidence and natural warmth while interviewing Angellica about her experience as a TV presenter and the advice she would give to younger generations.

Fifteen-year-old Hana, from Harrow, won the 15-18 category. Sam was named the winner of the 10-14 category.

Speaking to the West Sussex County Times, the schoolboy said: “It was the best news I have ever received in my life.

"To be completely honest, when I found out I was in the final, I thought it must have been a mistake. When I found out I'd won, I was over the moon! I felt so many feelings including excitement, happiness but also curiosity.

"I was looking forward to finding out what I'd be doing.

"I'd been planning my questions and thinking about what I was going to say, but I always felt it was a long time away.

"When I got there, I felt nervous, of course, but most of all, ready. I knew I was ready, my gut told me, even if my brain was saying something different.

“I got talking to the other finalists and made some friends, before I went to the photoshoot, and then interviewed Angellica.”

Sam said interviewing Angellica ‘was the best, times a million’.

He added: “I have never been able to put my interviewing skills to the test, so to do that was brilliant.

"Her answers were amazing, and I could really have a nice conversation with her. I asked her questions like what her advice to future presenters would be, and what it is like to have people from the gallery always in your ear, and my favourite part was being able to take things away from her answers that I can use as a BAFTA Young Presenter.”

Sam, who is just starting out in secondary school, said he has ‘always wanted to do something in the media world’.

"When I was at the age of just four, I started making Paw Patrol and Fireman Sam videos, and showing my family,” he said.

"It was basically me just filming myself playing with my toys and doing their voices.

"But as I got older, I started making my own homemade TV shows and made superhero movies with my sister called Super Sam.

"I found a love of speaking to camera, and being able to express myself in a new way, make jokes and being a bit silly. Presenting is like an escape for me, and I love it so much”

Sam said he would most love to interview Ant & Dec, Stephen Mulhern and Harry Hill.

He explained: “I watch Ant & Dec's podcast (Hanging Out with Ant & Dec) and think they are so funny. I always take their advice.

“Stephen Mulhern, because he is so magical. I got to meet him once because my sister was a Redcoat at Butlins, and I managed to go backstage and meet him. He was the best.

"Harry Hill, because he is so funny and silly. He does such funny comedy, especially with props, and has me in stitches. He does the most random things and I love him.”

Sam’s dad, Simon, said the schoolboy’s family is ‘unbelievably proud’ of his achievement.

He added: “He's had his heart set on being a TV presenter since he was tiny.

"This BAFTA opportunity at such a young age is a dream come true. He's so excited and can't wait to get started.”

Lisa Campbell – executive director of programmes at BAFTA – said Sam and Hana ‘stood out for the energy, originality and humour’.

She added: “Huge congratulations to them both. We’re delighted to welcome them to Young BAFTA and can’t wait to see them flourish as young presenters.

“At BAFTA, programmes such as BAFTA Young Presenters are at the heart of our charitable mission, giving young people the opportunity to build confidence, develop their skills and showcase their potential.

“The standard of this year’s entries was exceptional – full of creativity, commitment and ambition – and a powerful reminder of what can happen when emerging talent is given an early opportunity.”

Angellica said she had enjoyed meeting the finalists and seeing ‘how bright the future of presenting is’.

Ali said the enthusiasm of the finalists was ‘infectious’ and praised the presenting talent he saw during the competition.

Sam and Hana will now join BAFTA’s growing team of young presenters, with opportunities to attend and present at events and interview talent from across the screen industries.

Previous young presenters have interviewed stars including Dame Judi Dench, Stormzy and Tom Hiddleston, while others have fronted red carpet coverage at the EE BAFTA Film Awards.

The competition is now in its tenth year and forms part of Young BAFTA’s wider programme of learning and talent development for children and young people.

The 2026 competition was launched during Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week and marks the tenth anniversary of BAFTA’s partnership with the charity.