Good news, Tom Hardy is back doing what he does best… and that’s reading bedtime stories on CBeebies obviously.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the series, CBeebies Bedtime Stories first hit our screens all the way back in 2006, and it sees celebrities and famous faces from all fields of the entertainment world read a different story to kids each night just before bedtime.
More than 850 episodes have now made it to air, and the series has gone on to become a beloved staple for parents in countless households nationwide.
Much to the delight of parents right across the UK, probably even more so than the kids at this point, the celebrated actor and heartthrob has teamed up with CBeebies once again to read another handful of bedtime stories as part of the children’s TV channel’s ever-popular Bedtime Stories series.
Tom Hardy helps us to mark #NHS75 with a classic story, Zog and the Flying Doctors, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
His first tale aired on Wednesday 5 July, and it’s all about 75 years of our wonderful NHS.
British actor Tom Hardy is well-known across the world for his roles blockbuster films such as The Dark Night Rises, Inception, Mad Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Venom, and so much more, but aside from his glittering acting career, ongoing charity work, and undying love for dogs, he’s also pretty famous with the little ones – and the grown-ups, too – for his regular story-telling appearances on the CBeebies series.
The 45-year-old read his first story as part of the series back in 2017, and after his initial appearance seemed to go down a treat with viewers of all ages, not just kids, the broadcaster has called him back to read another four.
And now, the BBC has confirmed that Hardy is back for not just one, but six new episodes.
In what is a common sight for Bedtime Stories fans, Hardy recorded all six new stories in his garden surrounded by nature and accompanied by his pet French Bulldog named Blue.
CBeebies Bedtime Stories first hit our screens all the way back in 2006 / Credit: BBC
Hardy’s first story is now available to watch back on BBC iPlayer and was chosen to mark the historic 75th anniversary of the NHS, as he sat down to read Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The story tells the tale of Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout, and their trusty ‘air ambulance’, Zog the dragon, and according to the synopsis, follows them as they “fly around and tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a distressed unicorn, and a sneezy lion.”
If you fancy watching Tom Hardy’s latest CBeebies Bedtime Story, head to BBC iPlayer here.
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
6th July 2023 
