- Do YOU have a story? Send an email to tips@dailymail.com
Hannah Waddingham is known for her starring role as football club owner Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso.
However, the 50-year-old actress is taking on a role a world away from her famous character in a new BBC animated film, in which she stars opposite Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
Tiddler airs this Christmas on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and tells the story of a little fish with a big imagination.
The half-hour animated special is narrated by an all-star cast featuring Hannah as narrator, Lolly Adefope from Ghosts as Miss Skate and Jayde Adams as Plaice.
Rob Brydon returns for his twelfth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation in the polyphonic roles of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy.
Hannah Waddingham is set to take on a role worlds away from her Ted Lasso character in a new BBC animated film, starring opposite Gavin and Stacey’s Rob Brydon.
The actress is known for her leading role as soccer club owner Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso
Tiddler will also feature the voices of child actors Reuben Kirby in the title role and Theo Fraser as Johnny Dory.
The magical story comes from top British picture book creators Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler and is produced by the BBC and Magic Light Pictures.
The synopsis states that every day Tiddler tells a different story to his teacher and his friend Johnny Dory about why he is late for school.
His stories include a ride on seahorses, a swim around a shipwreck or an event in which he was captured by an octopus.
His stories are so great that word of mouth allows them to travel across the ocean. And when Tiddler gets lost, he realizes that his stories might help him find his way home.
The film is described as an underwater adventure about the power of imagination and finding self-confidence – and how to be content as a small fish in a big ocean.
Hannah enthusiastically says: ‘It was a real pleasure to provide the voice of the narrator for this Magic Light Pictures Christmas special.
‘Tiddler’ is the story of the storyteller in all of us. It helps children understand what it’s like to be a small fish in a very big pond. And we’ve all felt that at some point in our lives.
Tidder will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas and will follow the story of a little fish with a big imagination
Hannah was excited: ‘It was a real pleasure to provide the voice of the narrator for this Christmas special from Magic Light Pictures’
Rob Brydon returns for his twelfth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation in the polyphonic voice roles of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy
Ghosts actress Lolly Adefope voices Miss Skate in new BBC animation
‘I have enjoyed reading Julia and Axel’s books to my daughter for many years and it is so nice to now be able to portray one of them in this beautiful animation.’
The film is the twelfth animated special by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC.
Last year, 8.6 million people watched the animated series Tabby McTat, which told the heartwarming story of a street musician and his cat.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: ‘Magic Light’s adaptations of Julia and Axel’s work have firmly established themselves as part of our national network, thanks to their unrivalled ability to transport us into wondrous worlds filled with endearing characters.
‘We can’t wait for viewers to meet Tiddler, the little fish who is sure to cause quite a stir when he arrives on the BBC this Christmas.’
Previous Magic Light adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s works are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.