Christmas Comes Early as BBC Unveils Star-Studded Cast for Animated Special Tiddler

In an exciting announcement for families across the UK, the BBC has revealed that Hannah Waddingham, Lolly Adefope, and Rob Brydon will lead the voice cast of "Tiddler," a new animated special based on the beloved children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Scheduled to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas, "Tiddler" promises to captivate viewers with its enchanting story and a stellar lineup of voice talent. "Tiddler" tells the heartwarming tale of a small grey fish whose vivid imagination leads him on a series of underwater adventures. The little fish often finds himself late for school, much to the concern of his teacher. Each day, Tiddler concocts fantastical stories to explain his tardiness, ranging from riding seahorses to escaping the clutches of a squid. These imaginative tales not only showcase Tiddler’s creativity but also prove instrumental when he gets lost in the vast ocean, ultimately helping him navigate his way home. The half-hour special will feature Waddingham as the narrator, bringing her experience from acclaimed shows like "Ted Lasso" and "Game of Thrones" to this charming role. Adefope, known for her work in "Ghosts," will voice Miss Skate, while Brydon returns for his twelfth adaptation of Donaldson and Scheffler's work, taking on multiple characters including a fisherman and a whale. The cast also includes child actors Reuben Kirby in the title role and Theo Fraser as Johnny Dory, adding an authentic touch to the production. Julia Donaldson expressed her excitement about the adaptation, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and imagination in her work. "Tiddler is all about storytelling and big imaginations—things that are really important to me as a writer," she noted, praising the cast's ability to bring the narrative to life, particularly the young actors. Hannah Waddingham echoed this sentiment, sharing her joy in voicing the narrator. She described "Tiddler" as a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt small in a large world, making it relatable to children and adults alike. Producer Barney Goodland highlighted the film's themes, stating that "Tiddler" is a beautifully illustrated adventure celebrating the power of storytelling, a core value of Magic Light Pictures. He expressed enthusiasm for sharing this adaptation with families during the festive season, building upon the success of previous projects. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed confidence that "Tiddler" would delight audiences, noting that Magic Light's previous adaptations of Donaldson and Scheffler's works have become integral to the UK's cultural landscape. The anticipation for "Tiddler" is palpable, as viewers eagerly await the arrival of this little fish who is sure to make a significant splash this Christmas. As the twelfth animated special from Magic Light based on Donaldson and Scheffler's celebrated collaborations, "Tiddler" follows the successful "Tabby McTat," which drew an audience of 8.6 million viewers last year. Directed by Andy Martin and Alex Bain, with a script by Michael Bohnenstingl, the film is poised to enchant families and solidify its place among the cherished holiday offerings from the BBC.