CBeebies icon Justin Fletcher, famed for his role as Mr Tumble, is taking a step back from the spotlight on ‘Something Special’. The 54 year old presenter will pass the torch to three new hosts after an impressive 22-year tenure.
Since its debut in 2003, the show has enjoyed 12 series and five specials, becoming a staple for children with communication challenges by incorporating Makaton signs, speech, and symbols.
The programme, a fixture on CBeebies, has featured Justin both as his alter-ego and in person, but now it’s time for fresh faces to join the broadcasting stalwart. Maddie Moate, Ben Cajee, and George Webster are set to join the team in the forthcoming series.
TV host Maddie, recognised for her work on ‘Maddie’s Do You Know?’, took to Instagram on Monday (January 6) to express her excitement about joining the show, reports The Express.
Sharing a photo alongside Mr Tumble and the crew, she wrote: “Last year I was lucky to be part of something special.. THE ‘Something Special’, now in its 14th series, starring the much loved Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher! ” She added, “For anyone who’s unfamiliar with the show, Something Special is a children’s TV programme that uses @makaton signs, speech and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way.”
“The new series remains the same happy, welcoming place (featuring lots of Mr Tumble! ), but with the addition of a few friendly familiar CBeebies faces! ” “@ben_cajee and myself all joined the team and had the chance to guide the children as they looked for clues and tried to find their spotty surprise! I can’t even begin to share my gratitude and awe of the production team behind this show.”
“The amount of love and care that goes into making filming the most joyous experience for the children is inspiring. This show is public service broadcasting at its very best. The kids ALWAYS come first, and so they should.”
“The programme wouldn’t exist without all our wonderful contributors and all their families,” she concluded. Maddie won a BAFTA Children’s Awards for best presenter back in 2017.
Meanwhile Ben, who has worked on CBeebies since 2015, also took to his social media page to open up about the exciting career venture. He wrote: “Got the nod to be part of the new presenting line up on Something Special. When I was younger, other than opening the batting for England or running West Ham’s midfield, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for work. That’s still the case now.
“I thought it would be cool to be around sport, with children and in broadcasting – and feel fortunate to be able to do those things. This iconic show is entering its 14th season and the legacy and responsibility for these children and the audience isn’t lost on me.
“I’ll always do my best and promise to look after the show and hopefully do it justice, both now and in the future. The first episode drops on my birthday, Monday 13th January. Ironic. I appreciate the gift and opportunity.”
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Justin Fletcher has starred on the show for 22 years
(Image: (Image: Getty Images))