http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/02/28/bbc.disabled.host/index.html
 
Disabled kids show host draws criticism, praiseStory Highlights
BBC says it is receiving complaints about TV host Cerrie Burnell

Some say Burnell, who was born with one hand, is scaring children

Burnell says she won't let criticism bother her

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By Lateef Mungin
CNN
     
(CNN) -- A children's show host who was born with one hand is facing
criticism from parents over her disability.


The BBC is receiving complaints about kids' show host Cerrie Burnell, who
was born with one hand.

 BBC spokeswoman Katya Mira said the corporation has received at least 25
"official" complaints recently about Cerrie Burnell, new host of two shows
on the BBC-run CBeebies television network, which is aimed at children
younger than 6.

The official complaints do not count the dozens of negative comments lodged
in Internet chat rooms, Mira said.

In one chat room, a father lamented that Burnell being on the show forced
him to have conversations with his child about disabilities.

However, there have also been messages of support for Burnell. What do you
think about the complaints?

"We have also received 99 appreciations of her," Mira said.

Burnell started as a presenter of the shows in late January after acting
with theater companies in Manchester, England, and Brazil.

A BBC news release in January introducing Burnell made no mention of her
disability, but a publicity photo showed the right sleeve of her sweater
pulled up, showing her arm stops just below her elbow.

The issue has spurred a debate in England among newspapers, columnists and
bloggers.

Burnell said she has heard the criticism and will not let it bother her.

'It can only be a good thing that parents are using me as a chance to talk
disability with their children. It just goes to show how important it is to
have positive, disabled role models on CBeebies and television in general,"
Burnell said.

Michael Carrington, BBC controller of CBeebies, said the company is standing
by Burnell.

"Cerrie is warm and natural and we think that, in time, all moms and dads
and children will love her as much as we do," Carrington said. 

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