CITV host Danielle Nicholls reveals she secretly snogged a pop star and had a cheeky romp with a footballer in the dressing room after the show

Danielle Nicholls has revealed her secret saucy antics in the dressing room of CITV.

The presenter, 43, launched her career on the children’s channel in 1998 when she was just 19 years old, alongside the likes of Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby.

In light of the news that the channel is set to be axed after 17 years, Danielle has revealed her naughtiest memories from behind-the-scenes.

Speaking to The Daily Star, she said: ‘I remember when I was only 19 years old and on CITV I snogged a pop star in the dressing room.’

She added: ‘It was quite cheeky, but I did even more than that with a footballer. The good news there is that I ended up marrying him, so that was okay!’

Cheeky! Danielle Nicholls has revealed her secret saucy antics in the dressing room of CITV (pictured in 2000)

Beginnings: The presenter, 43, launched her career on the children’s channel in 1998 when she was just 19 years old, alongside the likes of Stephen Mulhern (pictured) and Holly Willoughby

Saucy: In light of the news that the channel is set to be axed after 17 years, Danielle has revealed her naughtiest memories from behind-the-scenes

Danielle tied the knot with former footballer and Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden in June 2006.

Discussing ITV’s decision to close CITV in September, she expressed her sadness and said it would affect the discovery of new talent.

Danielle said: ‘It’s really sad they’re taking children’s television away. There are all these really famous presenters that came from it, Ant and Dec, Cat Deeley, Andi Peters.

‘I think it’ll have a knock on effect in television in general. Kids TV is where you learn your trade, it’s where you learn the business and you have natural progression.’ 

Before its launch as an exclusive channel in 2006, CITV was the brand used to broadcast afternoon shows for children, and was first used back in 1983. 

The channel has been home to iconic shows such as Jungle Run, The Worst Witch and Art Attack.

But now, ITV have moved its entire slate of children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids which was launched in July.

Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITVX said: ‘We’re really excited to launch this dedicated destination for kids on ITVX, which will be home to a wealth of content including new series, recognisable brands and existing favourites for a range of ages, all in one child-safe area, with editorial curation to guide viewing.’

Romance: Danielle tied the knot with former footballer and Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden (pictured in 2021) in June 2006

Moving on: ITV have moved its entire slate of children’s programming to its new streaming platform ITVX Kids which was launched in July and will axe CITV in September

Explaining their decision, ITV bosses revealed the the average amount of broadcast TV minutes of kids TV channels watched by 4-15 year olds per week has declined by 62% since 2019.

Viewing figures on streaming figures have risen by 30% in the same period.

ITV has confirmed that the platform will feature a slate of brand new shows, as well as bringing back classical episodes of nostalgic series’ such as Bob the Builder, and Mr Bean.

However, ITV will continue to feature the LittleBe preschool segment and will offer some children’s content in the early mornings on ITV2 from September.

Since its inception 17 years ago, CITV has been home to shows including the animated shows The Rubbish World of Dave Spud and Horrid Henry.