Brazil’s first news reporter with Down syndrome is celebrating 15 years in the job but says she still has not achieved her absolute dream which is to one day interview singer-songwriter Roberto Carlos.

Fernanda Honorato, 41, told Brazilian media: “I was at a nightclub here in Rio and the Programa Especial (TV programme) was there reporting. They liked me so much that they wanted to interview me.”

Sensing her potential, the team behind the programme decided to give Fernanda an opportunity, and her first gig was at a samba project for people with disabilities.

The team was so impressed by Fernanda’s interviewing skills that she was soon quizzing superstar singers like Chico Buarque or Diogo Nogueira, or the singing duo of Zeze de Camargo and Luciano, and even the singer known only by his first name, Daniel.

Aside from her musical reporting, the Rio de Janeiro native also covered the Rio Paralympics in 2016 and has reported on World Down Syndrome Day.

The highlight of Fernanda’s career so far was when she interviewed famed singer Maria Bethania, who she described as “a lovely person”.

However, despite her extensive CV, Fernanda has still set herself goals to achieve, and one of them is to interview legendary singer Roberto Carlos.

Her message for ‘The King’ was: “I have so much to tell you, but I can’t express in words how great my appreciation is for you.”

Aside from reporting, Fernanda enjoys acting and dancing. She has performed on stage at the theatre and has danced as a ‘rainha da bateria’ (carnival queen) for a samba school.

She told Brazilian media: “I am very proud to have the opportunity to present and bring information to people with various disabilities.”

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