A diver reads a story to Tiddler (Reuben Kirby), Johnny Dory (Theo Fraser) and the School Fish. (Image: BBC)
A new BBC adaptation of the beloved children’s book tells the story of a little fish with grand talesintroducing a star-studded lineup from comedy and TV.
Get ready for heartwarming holiday fun as a small grey fish named Tiddler finds himself on an incredible aquatic journey in the latest iPlayer and One adaptation. Taken from the wildly popular book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, our tiny hero Tiddler gets swept away into the vast ocean only to find his way back with the help of his own whimsical stories.
Come Christmas Day at 2:35pm on One, families can snuggle up to watch Tiddler. The show is the 12th adaptation of Donaldson and Schefflers’ books after The Gruffalo and Zog.
Producer Barney Goodland says: “Tiddler is a beautifully illustrated and imaginative underwater adventure that we are thrilled to be bringing to screen. Its celebration of the power of storytelling speaks to everything that Magic Light does and diving deep into that theme has been a real joy.
“We’re excited to share our adaptation of this absolute classic Julia and Axel story with families this Christmas.”
Comedian and actor Rob Brydon loves appearing in cartoons adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. (Image: WireImage)
Voices of the cherished characters will be brought to life by young stars Reuben Kirby lending his voice to Tiddler, Theo Fraser as Johnny Dory, and a host of renowned talents from the realms of stand-up comedy and drama.
But who appears in the children’s special?
Who appears in the voice cast of Tiddler?
Ghosts star Lolly Adefope voices Miss Skate in Tiddler (Image: BBC/Monumental/Guido Mandozzi)
Hannah Waddingham – Narrator
Hannah Waddingham, known for her roles in Ted Lasso and Game of Thrones, leads the cast of Tiddler as the narrator. The star, who has also graced the screen in Sex Education, Benidorm, Krypton, and co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, expressed her delight at being part of the special: “Voicing the narrator for this Christmas special from Magic Light Pictures has been a real joy to record.
“Tiddler is the tale of the storyteller in all of us, and helps children understand what it’s like to be a small fish in a very big pond (and we’ve all felt THAT in life!) I have loved reading the books by Julia and Axel to my daughter over the years and it’s so lovely to get to bring one of them to screen in this beautiful animation.”
Lolly Adefope – Miss Skate
Lolly Adefope takes on the role of Miss Skate, the school teacher who grows increasingly bewildered by Tiddler’s creative excuses for his tardiness. Adefope is celebrated for her performances in Ghosts, Shrill, Saltburn, and the film That Christmas.
Jayde Adams – Plaice and other characters
Jayde Adams, who made her television debut in December 2015 with Russell Howard’s A Gert Lush Christmas, has since shared the stage with British comedy royalty such as Lenny Henry, Miranda Hart, Dawn French, Graham Norton, and David Tennant for Red Nose Day in 2017.
Despite an early departure from , Adams has featured in Alma’s Not Normal, The Outlaws on One, and the ITV2 series Ruby Speaking.
Hannah Waddingham arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of the Prince of Wales Together at Christmas Carol Service on Friday 6th December 2024 (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Rob Brydon – multiple roles
The actor and comedian is known for his roles in Gavin and Stacey, Human Remains, Marion and Geoff, Supernova, The Keith Barret Show and 24 Hour Party People, is back for his twelfth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation.
The 59-year-old will be lending his voice to multiple characters including Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy.