Magic Light Pictures and BBC reveal a first look for"Tiddler" Christmas special

The BBC and multi-Oscar nominated producers Magic Light Pictures have released a first look at their forthcoming Christmas animated adventure, "Tiddler", the story of a little fish with a big imagination who gets lost in the deep wide ocean until he’s saved by his own storytelling. The story is adapted for BBC iPlayer and BBC One from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Hannah Waddingham ("Ted Lasso") who leads Tiddlers’ cast as the narrator says: “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. 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.”

The half-hour animated special will be voiced by a stellar cast. Joining Hannah Waddingham will be Lolly Adefope ("Ghosts") as Miss Skate, Jayde Adams ("Ruby Speaking") as Plaice and other characters, plus Rob Brydon ("Gavin and Stacey") - returning for his twelfth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation - in the multiple voice roles of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy. "Tiddler" will also feature the voices of child actors Reuben Kirby in the title role, and Theo Fraser as Johnny Dory.

"Tiddler" is directed by Andy Martin and Alex Bain, written by Michael Bohnensting, and produced by Barney Goodland and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures. The film was acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer and Nawfal Faizullah, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor.

"Tiddler" marks the 12th animated special of Donaldson and Scheffler work on the BBC. Last year, "Tabby McTat", the heart-warming story of a busker and his cat, was a huge hit with an audience of 8.6 million. Magic Light’s previous adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s works are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.