Coronavirus: British actor Tom Hardy to take over CBeebies' Bedtime Stories from April 27 to May 1
A popular actor is to ease pressures on parents by taking over bedtime story duty for a whole week.
British actor Tom Hardy has been asked to return to CBeebies in its Bedtime Stories slot where he first featured in 2016.
With his soothing voice and calming nature, it's no surprise fans requested the BBC children's show be aired again during the sometimes worrying pandemic.
In an announcement, the BBC said Tom wanted to play a part in keeping the children of the UK entertained at this challenging time.
Tom, who was accompanied by his adorable French bulldog Blue for some of the stories in 2016, will read his first, Hug Me, by Simone Ciraolo on Monday, April 27, at 6.50pm on CBeebies.
It is about Felipe the young cactus who really needs a hug but his family just isn't the touchy-feely kind, so he sets off to find a friend of his own — and a hug.
Tom opens the story by saying: “Hello. I’m Tom. Sometimes, on a day like this, I feel strong and happy. But on other days, I just need somebody to give me a hug. Tonight’s bedtime story is all about a little cactus called Felipe, who just wants a hug too.”
He concludes the story by reassuring viewers: “So, in the end Felipe found someone to hug. It’s not always possible to hug the ones that you love. But they’re always there, in your heart.”
Stories throughout the week include:
Tuesday, April 28
Under The Same Sky by Robert Vescio and Nicky Johnston — about two children on opposite sides of the world who crave friendship
Wednesday, April 29
There’s A Tiger In The Garden by Lizzy Stewart — about the power of imagination being able to take you anywhere, even for Nora who doesn’t believe her Grandma when she says she’s seen a tiger in the garden
Thursday, April 30
Don’t Worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton — about mustering the courage to try something new and how saying: "Don’t worry, I’m here" can help tentative little crabs discover the brilliant worlds that await when they take the plunge
Friday, May 1
The Problem With Problems by Rachel Rooney and Zehra Hicks — Tom tells the bold, humorous and insightful story about how to deal with problems
The news of Tom's bedtime story return has been widely welcomed on social media, with some jokingly saying it is more aimed at mums than children.
One person tweeted the news was the best they had heard in weeks.
Other Twitter users were amusingly obvious in their attraction for Tom.
Make sure you and your children tune into CBeebies every evening from April 27 to May 1 at 6.50pm for a much-needed story to soothe your stresses.
CBeebies Bedtime Stories in on each weekday at 6.50pm on the CBeebies channel and is also available on BBC iPlayer.
The filming of Tom’s new stories was carried out in his garden and in line with the social distancing guidelines.
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