Fearne Cotton, Jim Broadbent and Jane Horrocks to feature in the hotly anticipated return of worldwide hit kids’ TV show.
DHX Media, a key player internationally in the creation of content for families and children, announced today that it has lined up a string of well-known British stars to voice the eagerly awaited brand new series of the global phenomenon and multi-award winning kids’ TV show Teletubbies, which is returning to CBeebies this year.
The new series will feature the same much-loved characters and styling but will be visually enhanced, bringing a refreshed and contemporary look and feel to one of the world’s most well-known properties. The new series will feature a number of brand new elements, one of which is the Tubby Phone voiced by family favourite actress Jane Horrocks, most famous for playing Bubbles in Absolutely Fabulous. Jane will be the exclusive voice of the Teletubbies’ new 21st Century gadget - catapulting Tinky Winky, Dipsy, La-La and Po into the modern day.
Bringing the fun factor to the new series is up-and-coming actor and comedian Daniel Rigby, who will narrate the show. Rigby is best known for his work as a stand-up comic, as well as his BAFTA award-winning performance in the 2011 TV film Eric and Ernie. Completing the star-studded line-up are television and radio presenter Fearne Cotton and Academy Award and BAFTA award-winning actor Jim Broadbent, best known for blockbuster hits Harry Potter, Moulin Rouge and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Broadbent will voice the much-loved Voice Trumpets alongside Children in Need presenter Cotton. Up-and-coming actress Antonia Thomas, who shot to fame in Misfits and Sunshine on Leith will narrate the opening and closing lines.
Fearne Cotton says of her role, “Teletubbies holds a special place in my heart so I’m honoured to be part of this well-loved TV show. As a mum, I am sure the new series will enthrall a whole new generation of children across Britain and I will certainly be watching with my kids!”
Jane Horrocks says, “I am very excited to be playing the Tubby Phone in the new series which has a whole new feel to it. I think it’s hilarious, and will appeal to adults as much as it does children.”
Jim Broadbent adds, “Teletubbies is truly a British institution and it’s very exciting to be involved in bringing this global hit back to our TV screens. I’m really looking forward to working with the Teletubbies and giving them big hugs!”
Worldwide phenomenon Teletubbies first launched in March 1997 and became one of the most successful global children’s brands of all time. It has reached more than 1 billion children to date and the original episodes have aired in more than 120 territories in 45 different languages. It was the very first western pre-school property to air on China’s CCTV reaching an audience of 300 million children. Its enduring resonance with children is further underscored by the brand’s postings on YouTube which garner almost 50 million views per month.
Source: DHX Media
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
