Magic Light anticipates Tabby McTat's trailer and Christmas idents for BBC One

BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated producers Magic Light Pictures has revealed the trailer of its new Christmas animated adventure "Tabby McTat", the 11th company's adaptation for BBC One. The film is a story set on the streets of London about the warm and wonderful friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred.

Adapted from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the film stars Rob Brydon ("Gavin and Stacey") as Fred, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú ("Gangs of London") as Tabby, Cariad Lloyd ("Peep Show") as Prunella, Joanna Scanlan ("The Thick of It") as Pat, Jodie Whittaker ("Doctor Who") as the Narrator, and Susan Wokoma ("Enola Holmes") as Sock.

Magic Light Pictures has also created three charming Christmas Idents exclusively for BBC One 2023. The three 40-second animations show Tabby McTat and family enjoying a quiet snooze under the Christmas Tree when they're abruptly awakened; Stick Man and his family receiving their gifts from Santa; and the Gruffalo's Child’s playful antics that almost cause havoc for the Gruffalo and his Christmas Tree!

The idents will be revealed on BBC One after Strictly Come Dancing on December 2nd and will appear across the Channel throughout the festive season. Animated by Red Star these three idents will be shown along with four specially created idents that previously premiered in 2020. These feature "Zog and The Flying Doctors", "The Gruffalo" and "The Gruffalo’s Child."

Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer said: “Especially for BBC One this Christmas, Magic Light have created charming, animated idents of some of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best loved characters to bring some extra festive joy and warmth into everyone’s homes.”