This Christmas, look out for beloved characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books appearing in three new short animations on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The holiday animations will feature characters from well-known children’s books, including Harry O’Hay and Betty O’Barley from The Scarecrow’s Wedding, who get a surprise visit from Santa. This is a sneak peek before the full TV version of the story airs.
Another short animation brings together characters from The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, and Stick Man. A third one includes Zog, Pearl, and Gadabout from Zog and the Flying Doctors, along with the Witch from Room on the Broom.
The new idents, made by Magic Light Pictures and animated by Triggerfish Animation, will first air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer right after Strictly Come Dancing on November 30th. They’ll continue to be shown throughout the Christmas season.
Kate Phillips, head of content at the BBC, said the new on-air graphics are “unforgettable” and perfectly reflect the joy of the holiday season.
She said she hopes the collection of beloved characters by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler will bring extra happiness and a sense of connection to families throughout the UK.
As a big fan, I’m so excited to see our favorite characters from Magic Light Pictures back on the BBC this Christmas! Martin Pope, one of the CEOs, explained that the new idents really capture what makes these stories so special – all that imagination, warmth, and wonder. It’s great that the BBC iPlayer is becoming the go-to place for everything Gruffalo and Friends, so families can enjoy all the specials together.
The popular characters Harry O’Hay and Betty O’Barley, created by Donaldson and Scheffler, will appear in a Christmas version of The Scarecrow’s Wedding.
The cartoon shows the pair getting ready for their special event, but their plans are interrupted when a scarecrow named Reginald Rake causes trouble.
The animated film, The Scarecrow’s Wedding, boasts a fantastic voice cast, and Sophie Okonedo, known for her role in Slow Horses, will narrate the story.
Jessie Buckley will portray Betty O’Barley, while Domhnall Gleeson will star as Harry O’Hay. Beloved actor Rob Brydon, known from Gavin & Stacey, will play the mischievous character, Reginald Rake.
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2025-11-28 14:07