Multi-talented Ruben Reuter is best known as a reporter for Channel 4 News and acting in CBBC's The Dumping Ground, but we caught up with him just after his debut live theatre performance.
How did you get into reporting and presenting?
I have the production company Hey Sonny to thank for that. During Covid, people with Down syndrome were in the clinically vulnerable group so I wasn't allowed to work on the TV drama I had originally planned to film. Once Covid calmed down, Hey Sonny approached Channel 4 News and asked if I could do a one-off report on what Covid had been like for learning disabled people. Luckily, they really liked the report and invited me back to do more.
You are also an actor. What has been your favourite acting role to date?
That's a really tricky question because I've done comedies, horror, dramas, children's TV - the lot. But I did love playing Harry in Pushers because he's a lot like me (apart from the drug dealing!)
Are there any particular news stories you're passionate about covering?
I always love the reports that show the amazing achievements of disabled people, but I also like to do reports on the environment and climate issues.
What have you worked on recently?
I appeared in Lord Of The Flies at Chichester Festival Theatre and I enjoyed every minute - especially the response from a live audience.
What are you most proud of?
I danced a duet for Northern Ballet at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden that was amazing! I was really proud when I won a regional RTS Award for Best Performer in The Dumping Ground.
What is the best advice you have had?
Be adaptable and flexible - keep learning new things and just keep going.
Who is your biggest source of inspiration in life?
I have a long list - from my parents, my brother and my nan, to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stormzy and Jodie Whittaker!
If you could have lunch with one person from history, who would it be?
Henry VIII - we have the same birthday - so lunch would be amazing (although I am vegetarian - so not sure how that would work out!)
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I love to dance, go to the gym, play table tennis and swim, and I am learning to cook. I also volunteer at my local sports centre - teaching children to swim.
What career ambitions do you have?
In my dreams I would love to play Doctor Who's assistant, and present a show with Chris Packham but actually I am happy with whatever comes my way because I feel so lucky to be doing these jobs.
