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Andi Peters praises ITV for putting black presenters in lead roles as he takes over 'Lorraine'

Andi Peters attends the National Television Awards 2014 on January 22, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Andi Peters attends the National Television Awards 2014 on January 22, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Andi Peters has praised ITV for "getting more black faces on television" as he's set to take over Lorraine Kelly's daytime show.

The presenter will be the main host on Lorraine from Monday 10 August while Kelly is on holiday, becoming the first black man ever to do so.

"It’s a real break from tradition and it's a great statement from the channel about getting more black faces on television in lead roles as opposed to support roles, which is really important and we mustn’t shy away from that fact," he said in a Q&A ahead of his debut on the show.

Read more: Andi Peters celebrates 50th birthday live on TV

The 50-year-old went on to say: "I love Lorraine, I’ve known her for ten years, I’m on her show every day and it’s great to be part of that family. So, sitting in for her is an honour, Lorraine is an institution."

Andi Peters arrives at Gary Barlow's 40th Birthday Concert at Shepherds Bush Empire on January 20, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/WireImage)
Andi Peters arrives at Gary Barlow's 40th Birthday Concert at Shepherds Bush Empire on January 20, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/WireImage)

In the wake of global Black Lives Matter protests addressing racial inequality, Peters used his role on Good Morning Britain to send a message of encouragement to black children watching the programme.

Last month, he paused his competition segment to say: "I just want to say something as I can, as one of the only black people on this show, it is so important that we all keep talking. It really is.”

Praising the ITV programme, he said: “We’ve all started this conversation and one of the best things about Good Morning Britain is that we talk about it - we’re not brushing it under the rug, we’re not tip-toeing around, we are talking about it.

Pop band Take That pose with presenter Andi Peters during the children's TV Show 'Going Live!', circa 1990-91. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pop band Take That pose with presenter Andi Peters during the children's TV Show 'Going Live!', circa 1990-91. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

"Every day on this programme we are talking about it and it’s really important that we do."

The TV star said with emotion in his voice: “Every black kid watching right now - you could do this job.”

Peters' career kicked off on CBBC's The Broom Cupboard where he appeared alongside puppet Edd the Duck. He went on to enjoy another presenting stint on Live & Kicking before gaining producer credits on Top of the Pops and Shipwrecked, among others.