Seven huge stars will read stories on Cbeebies over Christmas.
CBeebies has announced a stellar line-up of seven stars to bring festive cheer this Christmas, featuring appearances from Idris Elba, Justin Fletcher, Mo Gilligan, Perrie, Kylie Minogue, James Norton, and Cody Rhodes.
Idris Elba kicks off a special week of CBeebies Bedtime Stories leading up to Christmas. On Saturday, December 21, he reads Hedgehog’s Balloon by Nick Butterworth, the heartwarming tale of Percy the park keeper helping his hedgehog friend enjoy his very first balloon.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, commented:
“CBeebies Bedtime Stories creates magical moments for families year-round, but Christmas brings something truly special. The power of storytelling spans generations, and this holiday season, we hope everyone enjoys a story together, creating lasting memories.”
The Festive Line-Up:
Sunday, December 22: CBeebies’ own Justin Fletcher returns to read The Winter Wish by Helen Mortimer and Rachael Dean, about William, a boy living in a bookshop brimming with wonder.
Monday, December 23: Comedian Mo Gilligan reads My Dad is a Grizzly Bear by Swapna Haddow and Dapo Adeola, a lively story about a boy’s wild imagination and his unique family.
Christmas Eve: Singer Perrie shares the festive tale Mr Santa by Jarvis, capturing the excitement of meeting Father Christmas.
Christmas Day: Kylie Minogue embraces Aussie holiday traditions with The Australian 12 Days of Christmas by Michael Salmon, featuring possums, lizards, and even surfing sharks!
Boxing Day: Actor James Norton reads There Is No Big Bad Wolf in This Story by Lou Carter and Deborah Allwright, a hilarious twist on the classic wolf tales.
New Year’s Day: WWE Champion Cody Rhodes concludes the celebration by reading Gigantic by Rob Biddulph, a story about a small yet determined blue whale.
Each reader brings a personal touch to the studio, from festive decorations and soft mascots to twinkling lights and seasonal props, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for bedtime.
CBeebies Bedtime Stories airs every weekday at 6:50 pm on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. A beloved fixture since the channel’s 2002 launch, it continues to inspire family reading with its celebrity guests, memorable stories, and meaningful moments. Over 300 archived episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
A Legacy of Iconic Readers
The series has hosted an impressive roster of celebrities, including Olivia Colman, Billie Eilish, Sir Elton John, Reese Witherspoon, David Schwimmer, Tom Hardy, Dolly Parton, Ed Sheeran, Ryan Reynolds, and more. It has also marked historic milestones, such as:
Rose Ayling-Ellis delivering the first story in British Sign Language.
Rob Burrow reading via an eye-controlled computer.
Lora Fachie presenting the first braille story.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, as the first royal reader.
Cricketers Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Nat Sciver-Brunt as the first LGBTQ+ couple to share a story.
Astronaut Tim Peake reading a story from space!
CBeebies Bedtime Stories remains a trailblazer in showcasing the joy of storytelling and the power of inclusivity, making it a cherished tradition for audiences of all ages.
