BBC unveils first-look at heartwarming Christmas animation with stars-studded cast

The BBC has just lifted the curtain on their festive animated special for this year, Tiddler, showcasing another collaboration with Magic Light Pictures for both BBC One and iPlayer. This marks the 12th occasion that Magic Light Pictures, renowned for their award-winning productions, have joined forces with the broadcaster.

Although the release date has not been set in stone, Tiddler will grace televisions during the upcoming holiday season as a half-hour animation. Anticipation is set to build from 29 November, when the trailer will be featured across BBC Social channels.

In teasing the special, the BBC divulged: "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."

Hannah Waddingham of Game of Thrones fame lends her voice as the narrator, leading an impressive cast. Reflecting fondly on her involvement, Waddingham shared: "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."

She continued to praise the works, noting: "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."

Lolly Adefope, known for her role in Saltburn, lends her voice to Miss Skate, while Jayde Adams, star of Ruby Speaking, voices Plaice and other characters. Gavin and Stacey's Rob Brydon also joins the cast, voicing multiple characters such as Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy, reports the Daily Record.

This marks Brydon's 12th collaboration with Donaldson and Scheffler. The animation also features child actors Reuben Kirby and Theo Fraser, who voice Tiddler and Johnny Dory respectively. The film is an adaptation of the popular children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Andy Martin and Alex Bain direct the animation, with Michael Bohnenstingl penning the script. Barney Goodland and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures produced the film, which was acquired by BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore and BBC Drama Commissioning Editor Nawfal Faizullah.

This follows last year's successful Donaldson and Scheffler animation, Tabby McTat, a heartwarming tale of a busker and his cat.