BBC Children in Need\u2019s mascot Pudsey is coming to life in a 25-minute animated special for CBeebies, BBC One and BBC iPlayer in December.<\/p>\n
Produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family and Creative Conspiracy, Pudsey and the Thread of Hope<\/em> follows a young boy navigating grief after the loss of his father as he embarks on a journey of healing and adventure with Pudsey, discovering the transformative power of friendship, courage and love along the way.<\/p>\n Based on a story by Tom Fletcher, the special features the voices of Ashley Banjo (Diversity<\/em>), Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer<\/em>), Shini Muthukrishnan (Blue Peter<\/em>) and Nikesh Patel (Star Struck<\/em>).<\/p>\n The animation comes following the release of a paperback picture book of the same name, also by Fletcher, published by Puffin. Both the book and animation celebrate 40 years of Pudsey\u2019s legacy and the work of BBC Children in Need. Puffin and Fletcher are giving \u00a31 for every paperback copy of the book sold in the U.K. and Ireland to BBC Children in Need.<\/p>\n To accompany the animated special, CBeebies Parenting has developed resources, advice and guidance to support families navigating conversations around grief and loss with sensitive and age-appropriate information.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was asked to come up with a story idea to bring Pudsey to life to celebrate his 40-year legacy, I jumped at the opportunity, and as the story was being made into a children\u2019s picture book as well, it was the perfect project to be involved with,\u201d Fletcher said. \u201cAcross the U.K., children and young people are facing impossible challenges without anyone to turn to. But everyone needs a thread of hope, and I hope that, together, through the animation and the book, we can raise money and awareness that helps provide support, connection and care\u2014when it matters most.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor the last 40 years, Pudsey has represented hope and resilience for children across the U.K.,\u201d commented Simon Antrobus, CEO at BBC Children in Need. \u201cThe new animation, Pudsey and the Thread of Hope<\/em>, captures the heart of our purpose\u2014ensuring children feel seen, supported and empowered. We\u2019re proud to see Pudsey\u2019s story brought to life on CBeebies, the U.K.\u2019s most-loved children\u2019s channel, so that it will continue to inspire and connect with children for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning for CBeebies, added, \u201cWhat a moment to bring together two icons of childhood\u2014Pudsey and CBeebies\u2014with a shared mission to support families across the U.K. As part of this partnership, CBeebies Parenting has developed resources, advice and guidance to help navigate conversations around grief and loss with thoughtful, sensitive and age-appropriate information.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BBC Children in Need\u2019s mascot Pudsey is coming to life in a 25-minute animated special for CBeebies, BBC One and BBC iPlayer in December.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1412,"featured_media":30819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[5038,4893,494,8162,6781,11662,11663],"class_list":["post-30818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-top-stories","tag-bbc-children-in-need","tag-bbc-one","tag-cbeebies","tag-kate-morton","tag-pudsey","tag-simon-antrobus","tag-tom-fletcher","pmpro-has-access"],"yoast_head":"\n