BBC orders Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler’s Tiddler as next animated Xmas special

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tiddler was first published in 2007

UK pubcaster the BBC’s 2024 animated Christmas special will be another adaptation of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book, with London-based Magic Light Pictures set to produce Tiddler.

Tiddler tells 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. Written and illustrated by Donaldson and Scheffler respectively, the children’s book was published in 2007.

The half-hour animated adaptation will debut on BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas, with a voice cast including Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso), Lolly Adefope (Saltburn), Jayde Adams (Ruby Speaking) and Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey). Child actors Reuben Kirby and Theo Fraser will also feature.

Tiddler is the 12th BBC Christmas special adapted by Magic Light from Donaldson and Scheffler’s books, following on from last year’s special Tabby McTat. Other adaptations include Superworm, Zog, Stick Man and Magic Light’s debut film The Gruffalo.

Andy Martin and Alex Bain direct the special, which is written by Michael Bohnenstingl and produced by Magic Light’s joint MD Martin Pope and producer Barney Goodland.