BBC unveils Christmas special with Hannah Waddingham leading star-studded cast

Tiddler official trailer available on BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas

The BBC has unveiled a sneak peek of its upcoming Christmas animation, Tiddler, a heartwarming tale of a small grey fish with a vibrant imagination.

This 30-minute animated special, set to air on BBC One and iPlayer this festive season, marks the broadcaster's 12th collaboration with the acclaimed producers Magic Light Pictures.

Tiddler follows the journey of a little fish who becomes lost in the vast ocean, only to be rescued by the power of his own storytelling. The BBC has announced that the trailer will debut on its social media channels on November 29.

The animated special boasts an all-star cast, with Game of Thrones actress Hannah Waddingham taking on the role of narrator.

Hannah expressed her delight in being part of the project, saying: "The books and films of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have been, without a doubt, the greatest cornerstone of my daughter's and my life together.

Tiddler is narrated by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham (Image: BBC)

"They are the most beautiful marriage of animation and voice, perfectly cast. There's always something that leans towards the main character not realising just how special they are, and it's a joyous thing to teach a child from an early age that you are delicious, just the way you are."

Saltburn's own Lolly Adefope lends her voice to Miss Skate, while Jayde Adams, star of Ruby Speaking, voices Plaice and other characters. Gavin and Stacey's Rob Bryson, a fan favourite, provides the voices for multiple characters such as Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy, marking his 12th collaboration on a Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation, reports the Daily Record.

The title role in Tiddler is voiced by child actor Reuben Kirby, with Theo Fraser voicing Johnny Dory. The animation is an adaptation of the immensely popular picture book penned by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Andy Martin and Alex Bain direct the animation, with Michael Bohnenstingl serving as the writer. Barney Goodland and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures are the producers.

A diver reads a story to Tiddler (Reuben Kirby), Johnny Dory (Theo Fraser) and the School Fish (Image: BBC) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241126.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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The title role in Tiddler is voiced by child actor Reuben Kirby, with Theo Fraser voicing Johnny Dory. The animation is an adaptation of the immensely popular picture book penned by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Andy Martin and Alex Bain direct the animation, with Michael Bohnenstingl serving as the writer. Barney Goodland and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures are the producers.

The film was picked up by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, and Nawfal Faizullah, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor.

This follows last year's Donaldson and Scheffler animation, Tabby McTat, which narrated the touching tale of a busker and his cat.



BBC unveils Christmas special with Hannah Waddingham leading star-studded cast

BBC unveils Christmas special with Hannah Waddingham leading star-studded cast

BBC unveils Christmas special with Hannah Waddingham leading star-studded cast

BBC unveils Christmas special with Hannah Waddingham leading star-studded cast
BBC unveils Christmas special with Hannah Waddingham leading star-studded cast
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