A 10-year-old boy is taking part in a new primetime family show based on spelling.

Dexter Davids, who lives in Swanage, will be the youngest participant appearing on The Big Spell on Sky 1 on Sunday, January 8.

The show will see 20 children aged up 13 competing to be the best in a spelling bee featuring word-related games and challenges. There will be games for individuals and teams including a Speed Spell round, which aims to test the participants speed and concentration.

Sue Perkins will host proceedings, while comedian, Joe Lycett, will be backstage with the parents, with broadcasting legend, Moira Stuart, will be officiating as the show’s pronouncer.

Waiting nervously backstage was his mum, Nicole, and dad, Andrew, who describe spelling as Dexter's 'natural hobby'. He said that his favourite spelling is the word lethal.

He said: "I can’t wait to play, have lots of fun and meet all the other contestants."