Carol Gay Bell to step down as artistic director of the Saskatchewan Express

Carol Gay Bell announced that she will be stepping down as artistic director of the Saskatchewan Express.

Carol Gay Bell has announced that she’ll be stepping down as artistic director of the Saskatchewan Express, after more than three decades at the helm.

Bell took over as artistic director and general manager in 1980.

The group has performed for numerous dignitaries including Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Bell made the announcement on CTV Morning Live on Tuesday, naming Danny Balkwill as her replacement.

Balkwill is originally from Regina. He appeared on Canadian Idol more than a decade ago, and has recently gone on to make appearances in the Canadian cast of Mamma Mia, and as a voice actor in the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic TV series.

Before launching the Saskatchewan Express, Bell worked in the media, holding the title of CBC’s first female staff announcer for radio and television, and working as an actress on the first live drama at CKCK television.

She is also the founder of the Roughriders cheerleading squad, which she founded in 1960 and directed until 1977.