TIDDLER: FIRST LOOK AND VOICE CAST FOR BBC CHRISTMAS ANIMATION SPECIAL

The story of Tiddler, a little fish with a big imagination, a new magical animation from the UK’s number one picture book creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, will air on BBC this Christmas. Tiddler is the story of a small grey fish with a big imagination who gets lost in the deep wide ocean, until he’s saved by his own storytelling.

The half-hour animated special will be voiced by a stellar cast led by Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) as the narrator, Lolly Adefope (Ghosts, Saltburn) as Miss Skate, Jayde Adams (Ruby Speaking, Alma’s Not Normal) as Plaice and other characters.

Plus Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) - 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.

Every day Tiddler tells a different story to his teacher and his friend Johnny Dory about why he’s late for school.  His stories stretch from riding on seahorses or swimming around a shipwreck to being captured by a squid! His stories are so great that word of mouth helps them travel through the ocean and so, when Tiddler gets lost, he realises they may help him find a way home.  

 The film is an underwater adventure about the power of imagination and finding confidence in yourself – and how to be content as a little fish in a big ocean.

Author Julia Donaldson says: "Tiddler is all about storytelling and big imaginations - things that are really important to me as a writer. The film captures the heart of the story and brings it to life with a fantastic cast, I'm particularly impressed by the young child actors who take the lead in this adaptation."

Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) 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.”

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."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Magic Light’s adaptations of Julia and Axel’s work have well and truly established themselves as part of our national fabric, thanks to their winning ability to take us to wonderful worlds packed with lovable characters. We can’t wait to introduce viewers to Tiddler, the little fish who’s sure to make a big splash when he arrives on the BBC this Christmas.”

Tiddler is adapted from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.