Panto, scooter racing, handstands and film roles. It's been a crazy and eventful year for Laura Hamilton, as she tells ROBERT FISK.

SHARING a bowl of nachos is one of the most sane things Laura Hamilton has done in the past few weeks. After breaking into television presenting as Melody for CiTV's Fun Song Factory and a brief stint on shopping channel iBuy, the 24-year-old found herself on a whistlestop tour of the UK for her new job.

As a presenter on Nickelodeon's new show Nickheads, she has been up and down the country trying to find the channel's biggest fans.

But this involves much more than just getting them to answer questions.

With rounds including Messtermind and a burping competition, it is clearly a very different format than University Challenge or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

"It's such a cool show," she said.

"I talk to camera while doing a handstand. It's got a lot of energy.

"They made us do fun challenges with the children such as racing on mobility scooters up and down a high street.

"One time I had to drink chocolate milkshake while a cow was being milked. I managed to drink five pints."

These kinds of activities probably would not have featured in her day-to-day working life if the former Dartford Grammar School for Girls pupil had followed her other potential career path, as a forensic scientist.

Her A-Levels were good enough but she decided to try to get into television and began working as a runner for Channel 4.

Laura, who grew up in Falconwood and Meopham, says she appreciates how lucky she is and is keeping her options open for the future.

She said: "I am determined to do well and I never know where it's going to go.

"I'd like to say it's good to set yourself targets to help you achieve but at the same time I realise how lucky I am to do what I am doing."

She added: "I do not know how long Nickelodeon will want me so if anyone wants to write in some nice letters for me, it will be much appreciated!"

Laura has proven herself to be a natural children's television presenter but as someone who has renovated a few homes and is a keen traveller she would also be happy in those more grown-up fields.

Acting is something else she wants to pursue after stealing the show as Cinderella at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, last Christmas.

She recently finished filming Magicians, a movie with David Mitchell and Robert Webb from Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show, which will be in cinemas next year.

There is no telling where life will take Laura next but it will clearly be a very exciting adventure.

Dipping the last cheese-covered tortilla chip into the salsa, she said: "I just love the industry and it does not feel like a job.

"You never know where it's going to lead but if you're right for a part then who knows."

Watch Laura present Nickheads on Nickelodeon from 4pm to 6pm every weekday until December 15.