BBC Factual today announces that Paddy McGuinness is to be the new presenter of BBC Two’s popular series Inside the Factory.

Paddy McGuinness says: “One of my first jobs was in a factory so I’ve come full circle. I’m fascinated by the machinery and the people who make it all tick. Hair nets aside, I can’t wait to get cracking!”

Inside the Factory explores the fascinating processes in the factories that produce some of our favourite products. Whether it’s learning how millions of individual chocolates are wrapped at high speed, or uncovering the surprising techniques used to create leather boots, the series is a celebration of manufacturing in the UK and beyond.

Paddy will join follow presenters Cherry Healey and historian Ruth Goodman for the ninth series of Inside the Factory, which goes behind the scenes to discover the secrets of the incredible machines that produce our everyday favourites, spotlighting the skill and hard work of the factory workers. The series also explores the science and innovation behind the products, and the hidden stories behind their invention.

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, said: “Inside the Factory is one of the BBC’s best-loved Factual brands. It deserves to have a big star at the helm - so I’m unbelievably excited that Paddy is putting on his white coat and rising to the challenge. He has a passion for production and engineering that’s impossible to fake. Working alongside current presenters Cherry Healey and Ruth Goodman, I know Paddy will bring new energy to this joyful series. I can’t wait to see him in action.”

Paddy will join for the ninth series, which will go into production later this year, to tx in 2024.

Inside the Factory is made by Voltage TV. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Executive Producers are Michael Rees and Lucy Carter and the Commissioning Editors are Siobhan Mulholland and Sreya Biswas.

The eighth series of Inside the Factory will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer early next year.