Kirsten O'Brien is a seasoned television presenter with a career spanning over 20 years. She is known for her work on various platforms, including current affairs reporting on the BBC programme Inside Out. Additionally, she has hosted documentaries such as How The NHS Changed Our World on BBC Two and is currently involved in the production of River Walks for BBC One.
In addition to her television work, Kirsten can be heard on radio stations like TalkRADIO and BBC Berkshire. She also serves as the voice for continuity announcements on Sky One. Beyond broadcasting, she frequently hosts live events for institutions like the English National Opera and the Royal Ballet.
Kirsten's career commenced in 1996 on CBBC's Broom Cupboard alongside Otis the Aardvark. She subsequently hosted a variety of children's TV programs, including Smile, Springwatch Trackers, Totally Doctor Who, Short Change, and the popular art show SMart, along with its spin-offs Smarteenies, SMart on the Road, and Smart Hart alongside Tony Hart.
Transitioning from children's television, Kirsten delved into documentary filmmaking. Notable works include Kirsten’s Topless Ambition, examining the trend of children’s presenters posing for racy magazine shoots. She became a prominent figure on BBC3, hosting programs like Britain’s Most Embarrassing Parents, Botox Britain: Your Face In Their Hands, and Eastenders Live: The Aftermath. Her collaboration with Will Mellor on World’s Toughest Driving Test resulted in her obtaining a tank driving license.
In 2007, Kirsten ventured into stand-up comedy, culminating in a successful Edinburgh Festival show titled "Confessions of a Children’s TV Presenter."
Despite starting a family in 2011, Kirsten remained active, participating in Let’s Dance for Sport Relief merely 10 weeks after giving birth. Recently, she welcomed twins into her family and is currently writing a book detailing her IVF experience.
Beyond her media career, Kirsten has a passion for property renovation, having remodelled homes in both the UK and France, where she owns a holiday property.
Kirsten has achieved two Guinness World Records and counts her victory on The Weakest Link as one of her proudest moments on television.