BBC orders Christmas Day toon special based on Julia Donaldson book Tabby McTat

The Tabby McTat book was written by Julia Donaldson

The BBC will screen animated special Tabby McTat, based on the best-selling children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, this Christmas.

Produced by London-based animation studio Magic Light Pictures, it will debut on BBC One on Christmas Day. Tabby McTat is the 11th BBC seasonal special adapted from Donaldson’s books, following on from previous Magic Light cartoons such as Superworm, Zog and Stick Man.

The film follows the friendship between a busker called Fred and his cat Tabby McTat. It is narrated by Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who), with other voice talent including Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey) and Sope Dirisu (Gangs of London).

Tabby McTat was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, and Nawfal Faizullah, drama commissioning editor.