Derek, who presents preschool show Milkshake!, visited the Media and Performance students in the University’s TV Studio at the Luton campus to talk about how he broke into the industry, presenting to the camera in one take, and being themselves.

He said: “When you go to a TV presenting casting, the first obstacle you have to get over is being in front of camera. But these students will already be used to it.”

“You have to have selective hearing, because you need to be able to speak to the camera and block out the pieces not for you but hear the pieces that are for you. Students at Bedfordshire are already using talk back in front of the camera, they’re very far ahead.”

Derek worked with the students on continuing a take when presenting, teaching them that stumbles are okay and bringing in personality is key.

“I’m also working with them on being their own personality. When you present a TV show, the wonderful thing is you don’t need to act. Most TV casters are looking for them [and their personality], they don’t want a version of them. It’s quite a nice thing when you get a job, they want you for you.”

Beth Fletcher also attended the masterclass to teach students about hair and makeup in the television industry. She has worked on productions such as Broadchurch, Peaky Blinders, Casualty, and Rocketman.

Beth had the following advice for students preparing for TV castings or recording show reels: “Look natural, neat and tidy, and make sure you look like yourself to let your personality shine through.”

Emily Sear is studying Media Performance for Film TV and Theatre spoke of the benefits of TV professionals coming in to Bedfordshire to teach a masterclass: “You learn more about the industry, because you are hearing it from their personal experiences, they can tell you exactly how it is.

"It’s nice because at first, I didn’t really like the idea of TV presenting because I was too scared. But with these classes I’ve become more interested in it and it’s now the path I’m looking to pursue.”