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.
This year’s holiday-themed animations will feature characters from well-loved children’s books. One short clip will show Harry and Betty from The Scarecrow’s Wedding getting a surprise visit from Santa Claus, giving viewers a sneak peek before the complete TV version airs.
Another short animation brings together characters from The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, and Stick Man. A third one combines Zog, Pearl, and Gadabout from Zog and the Flying Doctors with the Witch from Room on the Broom.
These new short animations were made by Magic Light Pictures and Triggerfish Animation Studios. They’ll first be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer right after Strictly Come Dancing on November 30th, and will continue to air 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 characters from some of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved books will bring extra happiness and a sense of connection to families throughout the UK.
Martin Pope, co-CEO of Magic Light Pictures, expressed his delight that their popular characters are returning to the BBC this Christmas. He said the new short animations perfectly reflect the heart of the stories – their imagination, warmth, and sense of wonder – and also highlight BBC iPlayer as the place where families can watch all of the Gruffalo and Friends specials.
I’m so excited to hear that Donaldson and Scheffler’s wonderful characters, Harry O’Hay and Betty O’Barley, are going to be part of a Christmas special based on The Scarecrow’s Wedding! I can’t wait to see it.
The cartoon shows the pair getting ready for their special event, but their plans are interrupted when a scarecrow named Reginald Rake causes some trouble.
The animated film, The Scarecrow’s Wedding, boasts a fantastic voice cast, including Sophie Okonedo – known for her role in Slow Horses – who will narrate the story.
Jessie Buckley will portray Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson will star as Harry O’Hay, and Rob Brydon, known from Gavin & Stacey, will play the mischievous character Reginald Rake.
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2025-11-28 15:11