BBC unveils first look at new Julia Donaldson film adaptation ahead of Christmas release

The BBC has revealed a first look at the new Julia Donaldson film adaptation Little fish.

The upcoming Christmas animation, featuring the voice of Hannah Waddingham, focuses on a fish who gets lost while using the power of storytelling to find his way home.

The first trailer is narrated by the Ted Lasso star, as she speaks about Tiddler and his “long stories”. As danger strikes when the fish becomes lost in the middle of the ocean, hope arises when “a story he knew” finds its way to him.

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Little fish is based on the book by Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, who are behind classics like The Gruffalo And Room on the Broom.

Tiddler himself is voiced by Reuben Kirby, while the animation can also be seen Ghosts‘Lolly Adefope as Miss Skate, Come dance strictly‘s Jayde Adams as Plaice and more, and Gavin & Stacey‘s Rob Brydon does quadruple duty as fisherman, whale, starfish and anchovy.

Waddingham previously said of the project: “Voicing the narrator for this Magic Light Pictures Christmas special was a real joy to record.

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“Little fish is the story 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 enjoyed reading Julia and Axel’s books to my daughter over the years, and it is so wonderful to be able to bring one of them to the screen in this beautiful animation.”

Donaldson added: “The film captures the heart of the story and brings it to life with a fantastic cast. I am particularly impressed by the young child actors who take the lead in this adaptation.”

Little fish will air on BBC One this Christmas.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor with a special interest in films, TV and music. After completing a masters in journalism at City University London, Sam joined the company Digital spy as a reporter, and has also worked freelance for publications such as NME And Screen International. Sam, who also has a film degree, can wax lyrical about anything Lord of the rings Unpleasant Love is blindand is equally in his element as a sub-editor, crossing every ‘t’ and every ‘i’.