TV icon announced as next celeb to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story - details

Virgin Radio

9 Aug 2024, 09:54

A BAFTA-winning actress is set to be the next star to read the CBeebies Bedtime Story. 

Meera Syal, known for her roles in The Kumars at No.42 and Goodness Gracious Me, will read Amma’s Sari in honour of South Asian Heritage Month.

The sweet story is about connection with family and the celebration of cultural heritage and diversity, and little ones can tune in tonight (9th August) at 6:50pm on CBeebies. 

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Amma’s Sari, written by Sandhya Parappukaran and illustrated by Michelle Pereira, follows six-year-old Shreya, a second-generation migrant, whose life tilts between her time at home and in the outside world.

While her love for family lifts her up, her spirits plummet at the stares and whispers that her amma's (meaning mother's) sari attracts. Searching for balance, Shreya asks questions about her culture.

As her mother shares beautiful stories, Shreya's internal and external struggle continues, until one day her amma's sari saves her from being lost in a crowd and she comes to find pride in her differences.

South Asian Heritage Month runs from 18th July to 17th August, and aims to celebrate the diverse heritage and cultures that link the UK with South Asia.

Meera joins an elite list of stars who have become CBeebies Bedtime Story readers, with the likes of Tom Hardy, Jack Black, Billie Eilish and Kate Winslet all sharing a tale with young telly viewers. 

The show will also be made available on iPlayer alongside more than 300 archived stories.

Meera has brought her distinctive voice to the UK’s creative arts over four decades, with over 140 credits and counting. She is known for classic comedies such as The Kumars At No 42 and Goodness Gracious Me, as well as dramas like The Devil’s Hour, Broadchurch, and movie work including Paddington 2 and Yesterday.

She was made an MBE in the 1997 New Year Honours list and was appointed a CBE in the 2015 New Year Honours list for her services to drama and literature. In 2023 she was awarded the Bafta Fellowship, the academy's highest accolade for a career on screen.

Meera's CBeebies Bedtime Story story will air on Friday, 9 August at 6.50pm on CBeebies.