CBeebies icon Justin Fletcher, who has appeared as Mr Tumble on Something Special for over 20 years, has announced a new job after confirming he was taking a step back
A CBeebies icon has announced a new job, just weeks after he said he was stepping back from the show.
Justin Fletcher, 54, has played the beloved character of Mr Tumble on Something Special for over 20 years. It was recently confirmed he was taking a step back as the sole host of the children’s TV show, which first aired in 2003 and caters to kids with communication difficulties.
Now, after more than two decades on the programme, Fletcher will get a bit of a breather for a bit as three co-hosts will be stepping in to share the workload with him on a temporary basis. However, it seems he’s still got time to rock out as he’s revealed a brand new job that will see him take to the stage with a band.
The TV star will be heading out on tour with his stage show Justin Time To Rock, which kicks off at the Churchill Theatre Bromley in October. Speaking about the show, which has confirmed dates up until November, Justin said: “I’m so excited to be going out on tour this year in our brand-new show Justin Time to Rock.
“We really enjoy travelling around the country, performing our shows and meeting so many friends. We can’t wait to put the band together and dance and sing along to some fabulous party songs.”
A synopsis for the show reads: “Justin and his friends are putting together a Rock band. But with so many songs to choose from, they are going to need your help to choose the best songs to sing and dance to.”
Justin is reportedly being joined by TV stars Maddie Moate, Ben Cajee and George Webster on Something Special. The show features clips of children with disabilities and while presenting the show, Justin both speaks and signs for the viewers.
The BBC say of the series: “The series uses Makaton signs, speech and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way.”
Maddie announced she was going to be one of Justin’s temporary replacements in a post on her social media on Monday (January 6), as she paid tribute to Justin and the crew of the BBC show. Writing in the caption, Maddie said: “Last year I was lucky to be part of something special… THE ‘Something Special’, now in its 14th series, starring the much loved Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher!
“For anyone who’s unfamiliar with the show, Something Special is a children’s TV programme that uses Makaton signs, speech and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way,” she added. “The new series remains the same happy, welcoming place (featuring lots of Mr Tumble!), but with the addition of a few friendly familiar Cbeebies faces!”
Ben also gave his own post of appreciation for his fellow hosts, adding: “Got the nod to be part of the new presenting line up on Something Special. When I was younger, other than opening the batting for England or running West Ham’s midfield, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for work.
“That’s still the case now. I thought it would be cool to be around sport, with children and in broadcasting – and feel fortunate to be able to do those things.”
The new series of Something Special airs on Monday (January 13) on CBeebies.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
