CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher has stepped back from his role on Something Special (Image: BBC)
star Justin Fletcher – who’s best known for portraying the children’s character Mr Tumble – has stepped back from his beloved role on Something Special.
The 54-year-old TV presenter will be replaced by three new hosts after 22 years on the small screen. The children’s television show first hit the airwaves back in 2003.
There have been 12 successful series over the years, in addition to five specials. Something Special is designed to help kids with communication difficulties by using Makaton signs, speech and symbols throughout.
the programme, which airs on CBeebies, has been presented by Justin’s alter-ego as well as himself over the decades – but now three new faces will be taking over from the broacasting giant.
Maddie Moate, Ben Cajee and George Webster will be helping Justin out in the upcoming series. TV presenter Maddie – who is known for fronting the CBeebies show Maddie’s Do You Know? – took to to share the excitng news on Monday (January 6).
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Justin Fletcher has starred on the show for 22 years (Image: Getty Images)
Alongside a snap with Mr Tumble on set with the rest of the crew, she captioned the post: “Last year I was lucky to be part of something special.. THE ‘Something Special’, now in its 14th series, starring the much loved Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher!
“For anyone who’s unfamiliar with the show, Something Special is a children’s TV programme that uses @makaton signs, speech and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way.
“The new series remains the same happy, welcoming place (featuring lots of Mr Tumble!), but with the addition of a few friendsly familiar CBeebies faces!
“@ben_cajee and myself all joined the team and had the chance to guide the children as they looked for clues and tried to find their spotty surprise! I can’t even begin to share my gratitude and awe of the production team behind this show.
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He is set to be replaced by three new hosts (Image: LEC)
“The amount of love and care that goes into making filming the most joyous experience for the children is inspiring. This show is public service broadcasting at its very best. The kids ALWAUS come first, and so they should.
“The programme wouldn’t exist without all our wonderful contributors and all their families,” she concluded. Maddie won a BAFTA Children’s Awards for best presenter back in 2017.
Meanwhile Ben, who has worked on CBeebies since 2015, also took to his social media page to open up about the exciting career venture. He wrote: “Got the nod to be part of the new presenting line up on Something Special.
“When I was younger, other than opening the batting for England or running West Ham’s midfield, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for work. That’s still the case now.
George Webster shared his excitement for the new role (Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
“I thought it would be cool to be around sport, with children and in broadcasting – and feel fortune to be able to do those things. This iconic show is entering its 14th season and the legacy and responsibility for these children and the audience isn’t lost on me.
“I’ll always do my best and primise to look after the show and hopefully do it justice, both now and in the future. The first episode drops on my birthday, Monday 13th January. Ironic. I appreciate the gift and opportunity.”
Similarly, 24-year-old George is also over the moon to be part of the exciting new shake-up on the important children’s show. He wrote on : “I’m absolutely very excited about the new series of Soemthing Special which is to come out on Monday, the 13th January.
“Some @cbeebieshq friends are joining Mr Tumble and Justin on this amazing show as a new presenting team. Me, the magical @maddiemoate and brilliant @ben_cajee are helping out across the series!!
“It was super fun to film with Justin and Mr. Tumble, who were my childhood heroes when I was a kid watching, because I spoke using @makaton first before I spoke with words.
“Makaton uses signs and symbols to help communication. My favourite signs when I was little were ‘more’, ‘food’ and ‘please’. Being part of the Something Special Family is such a huge honour and privilege, and they all treat me like family.
“They make the series so special for the kids involved and they are lots of fun to work with. I can’t wait to see the next series. I want to prove that everyone has a unique glow inside of them, like the kids that I met and had so much fun with when filming. Have lots of fun watching!”
George has presented Halloween in the CBeebies House. He’s also competed on the Christmas special for in 2022, and showed off his ating in Casualty.
Something Special has been a hige hit over the years, winning a number of awards. The programme won a BAFTA Children’s Award for best presenter between 2007 and 2013, and then again in 2018.
They were also awarded the gong at the Royal Television Society Education Television Awards for best early years programme in 2004. Something Special returns on CBeebies on January 13.