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Watch out Dan - Oliver wants your job!

Oliver with Dan Snow

A nationwide search for a "Young History Presenter of the Future" has culminated in the crowning of Stonyhurst St. Mary’s Hall pupil, Oliver Dean.

The talented 11-year-old fought off competition from across the UK to win the coveted title awarded by English Heritage. He will now join the ranks of celebrity presenters like Dan Snow, Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen and Konnie Huq as he presents a one-of-a-kind history programme for English Heritage's popular online history channel EHTV (www.english-heritage.org.uk/ehtv).

Oliver scooped the ultimate prize at an exclusive presenting boot camp with Dan Snow at Wellington Arch, in London. Joined by nine other young hopefuls aged 10 to 15, Oliver received essential training and tips on what makes a good TV presenter, including how to conduct an interview and what to do if you get your lines wrong.

The youngsters then put their newly-honed skills to good use by each making their own professional show reel about Wellington Arch. While Oliver and the other competition finalists enjoyed a guided tour of nearby Apsley House, celebrity judge Dan Snow, along with English Heritage and production company Ballista, set about the difficult task of judging the show reels and selecting the first ever "English Heritage Young History Presenter of the Future".

Dan Snow said: "This was a very difficult competition to judge. Each of the children brought something unique to the screen and they were all born communicators.

"Oliver stood out as being especially engaging though. He didn't worry about remembering all his lines, but instead concentrated on making the subject sound exciting and being himself – that's the key to being a good TV presenter. In fact, with the likes of Oliver snapping at my heels, I think I might need to worry about my career in 10 years' time!"

Oliver said: "I can't believe I've won. The masterclass with Dan Snow was amazing and it was great to be able to speak to the staff at Wellington Arch and find out some of the behind-the-scenes history. I love history and I am over the moon to be chosen as the English Heritage Young History Presenter of the Future. I can't wait to start making my next film."

As winner of the competition, Oliver will get a real taste of the TV spotlight when he once again steps in front of the camera to present a special feature film for EHTV. The video will be shot early next year, so keep checking the English Heritage website for details at: www.english-heritage.org.uk

CLICK HERE to view Oliver’s film.