Tiddler: release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything we know

Tiddler first look image
Tiddler is coming to our screens this Christmas. (Image credit: BBC)

A festive adaptation from the UK’s number one picture book creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler has become a Christmas tradition, and this year we will see Tiddler arrive on BBC One — a story that follows a little fish with a big imagination. And now we have a first-look trailer (below) and a confirmed release date!

After the success of animations such as last year's Tabby McTat, plus previous adaptations such as The Smeds and the Smoos, Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Superworm, Stick Man, The Snail and the Whale and Room on the Broom, this marks the 12th animated special of Julia and Axel's work produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. 

The show will be voiced by an all-star cast led by Hannah Waddingham as the narrator and Rob Brydon will be back voicing multiple roles of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy. 

Speaking of having another of her books adapted for the BBC, author Julia Donaldson says: "Tiddler is all about storytelling and big imaginations - things that are really important to me as a writer. The film captures the heart of the story and brings it to life with a fantastic cast, I'm particularly impressed by the young child actors who take the lead in this adaptation."

Tiddler is set to be a Christmas TV highlight, so here's everything you need to know about BBC One animation... 

Tiddler release date 

Tiddler will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day at 2.35pm. 

You can also catch up on past festive animations by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer on BBC iPlayer.

Tiddler voice cast 

The half-hour animated special will be voiced by a stellar cast led by Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) as the narrator, Lolly Adefope (Ghosts, Saltburn) as Miss Skate, Jayde Adams (Ruby Speaking, Alma’s Not Normal) as Plaice and other characters, plus Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) - returning for his twelfth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation - in the multiple voice roles of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy. 

Tiddler will also feature the voices of child actors Reuben Kirby in the title role, and Theo Fraser as Johnny Dory.

Speaking of narrating the show, Hannah Waddingham says: "Voicing the narrator for this Christmas special from Magic Light Pictures has been a real joy to record. Tiddler is the tale of the storyteller in all of us, and helps children understand what it's like to be a small fish in a very big pond (and we’ve all felt THAT in life!). 

"I have loved reading the books by Julia and Axel to my daughter over the years and it’s so lovely to get to bring one of them to screen in this beautiful animation."

Hannah Waddingham for Tiddler on BBC One

Hannah Waddingham will narrate Tiddler on BBC One. (Image credit: BBC)

Tiddler plot

Every day Tiddler tells a different story to his teacher and his friend Johnny Dory about why he’s late for school. His stories stretch from riding on seahorses or swimming around a shipwreck to being captured by a squid! His stories are so great that word of mouth helps them travel through the ocean and so, when Tiddler gets lost, he realises they may help him find a way home.  

The film is an underwater adventure about the power of imagination and finding confidence in yourself – and how to be content as a little fish in a big ocean.

Is there a trailer for Tiddler? 

Yep! Here you go...

Tiddler Official Trailer 🐟 | @GruffaloWorld - YouTube Tiddler Official Trailer 🐟 | @GruffaloWorld - YouTube
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Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book. 

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