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Natasha Kaplinsky made new president of British Film Classification Board

Natasha Kaplinksy is the new president of the British Board of Film Classification. (Ian Derry/BBFC)
Natasha Kaplinksy is the new president of the British Board of Film Classification. (Ian Derry/BBFC)

Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky is now in charge of movie ratings in the UK after becoming the new president of the British Film Classification Board (BBFC).

The 50-year-old mother-of-two - who won the very first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 - will work with the government and the viewing public to make sure that movies are given age appropriate ratings to help guide parents and children.

Her signature will now appear on the BBFC Black Card which appears at the start of every film shown in UK cinemas displaying the rating of the movie.

Kaplinsky, 50, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the BBFC in October as the new President.

Read more: Natasha Kaplinsky: Dancing with husband will never compare to Strictly's Brendan Cole

"It is clear that it takes its accountability seriously, alongside the impartial nature of its role. For over a century, the BBFC has done fantastic work to help families have a positive viewing experience, wherever and however they watch content.

Natasha Kaplinsky received her OBE from the then Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.
Natasha Kaplinsky received her OBE from the then Prince of Wales in 2017. (PA)

"It’s crucial that children’s welfare is at the forefront of policy decision-making and this is central to the BBFC’s efforts in the Online Safety space.

"I am really excited to bring my knowledge and experience to help guide the BBFC in its 110th year and beyond. The challenges that young people face now in the UK are greater than ever before - and I am committed to giving voice to their needs. I can’t wait for the opportunities that this next chapter will bring.”

The TV presenter - who has a 14-year-old son Arlo and a 12-year-old daughter Angelica with husband Justin Bower - will also work with the BBFC’s Advisory Council on Children’s Viewing (APCV).

Kaplinsky aims to raise awareness of the BBFC as a trusted organisation to help parents find content that is suitable for their children, and avoid that which is not.

Strictly Come Dancing's first  winners Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole in 2004. (Getty Images)
Natasha Kaplinsky won the first ever Strictly Come Dancing with Brendan Cole in 2004. (Getty Images)

Former BBC and Channel 5 news presenter Kaplinsky is currently President of children's charity Barnardo’s and an Ambassador for Save the Children.

She was awarded an OBE in Queen Elizabeth II's 2017 Birthday Honours List for services to Holocaust Commemoration.

She began her career as a news journalist and was the third (and youngest at the time) woman to host the Ten O'Clock News.

Kaplinsky was the very first winner of the Strictly glitterball trophy and also sparked the beginnings of the so-called 'Strictly Curse'. Dancing with Brendan Cole in the first series of the BBC, before she met her husband, the pair were the subject of rumours their relationship was not strictly professional.

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing: All the celebrity glitterball champions from the past 19 series

They never admitted the rumours of a romance at the time but Cole did end his engagement to fellow Strictly pro Camilla Dallerup during the series.

Watch: The BBFC held a competition to design the ratings card for Jurassic World Dominion