Mr Tumble star Justin Fletcher interviewed: Clown prince of children's TV on fame and fortune - Mirror Online Mr Tumble (JUSTIN FLETCHER), Programme Name: Something Special (Photo: BBC) Share Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Take the roar of the crowd as Jessica Ennis won her Olympic gold, raise it three octaves then crank up the volume and you’ll have some idea of the noise in this TV studio. There are 125 children here and each one is jumping, waving and yelling with all their tiny might for their hero. One boy in front of me is so delirious with excitement he is slapping himself repeatedly on the head and looks set to explode. The man behind the mania is Justin Fletcher, the first superstar of pre-school TV, otherwise known as Mr Tumble to children, and God to frazzled parents. Justin has turned his slapstick skills and genius for dreaming up characters like Mr Tumble into a multi-million-pound industry.

His Something Special DVD alone sold more than 100,000 copies, raking in more than £1million, and a magazine brings in around £180,000 a month. As the biggest star on CBeebies, he fronts three of the BBC children’s channel’s most viewed shows and can make kids laugh from their boots just by raising an eyebrow. He is the Make A Wish children’s charity’s most requested celebrity, thumbing his nose at David Beckham, who is way behind. And if he was pitted against Santa in a popularity contest, Father Christmas would be a big fat loser. More than 19 million people have seen the Bafta Children’s Award-winner on TV and 3,575 signed a petition calling for him to be given an OBE. As he bounds down the aisle through the audience of Justin’s House, a programme he created which showcases his skill for slapstick, youngsters fling themselves at him for a hug. He gently peels them from his legs to leap on to the psychedelically coloured stage set. “Hello, boys and girls. Welcome to Justin’s House!” he booms.

The children scream so loudly that a few turn scarlet and I fear my eardrums are shredding. What follows is a masterclass in physical comedy that rivals Laurel and Hardy, and Mr Bean. Tikkabilla: Justin (at the window) with the rest of the presenting team (Photo: BBC) The show has everything kids adore: custard pies, squirty water, a posh stooge robot, hilarious falls, spoof explosions, shouty catchphrases and music that makes them dance themselves silly. But it’s Justin they really love. Throughout two live performances of his show, he doesn’t miss a line, a note or a dance step and has the parents and teachers grinning and guffawing as much as the kids. So what is Justin really like? The second that filming wraps, something happens that exposes his true colours. He jumps off stage and crouches down beside the kids in wheelchairs, to have time with them before he’s mobbed. It is this affinity with children with disabilities and special needs that makes Justin stand out among other shiny-faced, smiley kids’ TV presenters.

His Mr Tumble character uses the Makaton signing system to help children communicate and each of his 121 Something Special shows feature youngsters from special schools, some profoundly disabled. Interviews with Justin, also a star of pre-school hit Tikkabilla, are rare because he’s so busy but, after 18 months of begging the BBC, I’m allowed a chat... and it’s no surprise to hear he genuinely cares for the kids. Justin says: “The most rewarding thing about doing my shows is meeting the incredible children. "The real buzz of it all is getting letters which say ‘My child spoke for the first time after watching Mr Tumble’. “The kids are the stars of my shows and I’m just here to support them. “I remember one little girl of around five who was blind and had taught herself to play Mr Tumble’s hello theme tune on the keyboard. "Singing along with her was unforgettable. There are times like that, many times, when I’ve had to step away from the camera because the tears stream. “It moves me because we celebrate the children’s talents and abilities. They’re the stars. "I’ve been shooting Something Special for 10 years now and am still amazed by the wonderful children we meet.

"I have a real soft spot in my heart for them. “It’s crucial we carry on making that show because it gives kids a voice. "There aren’t enough programmes for children or adults with special needs. “I love it that the kids I meet are never shy, because they’re used to seeing me in their front room – although one little girl said to me, ‘I never thought that you were part of our world.’ "That’s the joy, those times with children. Nothing beats the sound of a child’s belly laugh. "That’s why I’m still in kids’ TV after 17 years.” Video Loading Hands Up (Special Edition) by Justin Fletcher on Apple Music Great album, worth every penny! Biography Born: 15 June 1970 in Reading, England Genre: Children's Music Years Active: '00s, '10s Reading, U.K.-born children's entertainer Justin Fletcher is best known as an actor and presenter on the BBC's child-friendly channel CBeebies. Fletcher established himself as a children's entertainer via the numerous characters he created and embodied; perhaps his most famous came in the form of Mr. Tumble.

Part of his character's oeuvre was his penchant for singing and dancing, often utilizing a combination of classic pop songs, well-known children's songs, and a few self-penned tracks. His 2012... Top Albums and Songs by Justin Fletcher 1. Webchat with Something Special presenter Justin Fletcher | Mumsnet Webchat with Justin Fletcher This is the edited transcript of a live webchat with Justin Fletcher, aka Mr Tumble, the BAFTA award-winning presenter and actor when he visited MNHQ in April 2010. The Something Special and Gigglebiz presenter came to Mumsnet Towers, charmed visiting children by singing and clowning around, and answered lots of your questions about his shows, receiving an MBE, Makaton, bumper cars, biscuits and more. Career | Gigglebiz | Something Special | Personal JustinFletcher: Hello Mumsnetters (signs "hello"!). Can I just say that I'm really thrilled to be at MN Towers and bowled over by all your comments about Something Special and the other programmes. A lot of people are involved with the making of Something Special and it's very close to all our hearts.

And it's the comments like yours, and from other people who write in about how their children have communicated or done things for the first time, that make it absolutely worthwhile for all of us. I hope I'm going to be able to answer as many questions for you as I can today and I'm going to make sure that all your feedback (good and bad!) about the shows goes back to CBeebies. Earthymama: Any plans for family entertainment? After Dr Who on Saturdays would be good! JustinFletcher: As I said before I'm always open to suggestions about new shows, whether they are for children or adult. But I'm very happy where I am at the moment! MissWooWoo: Do you write any of your own stuff and, if not, is it something you'd like to do if you had more time? JustinFletcher: Yes I do write some of my own stuff. The characters from Gigglebiz were all my own creations and I try to write as much as I can but I do have a large team of writers to help me as there's so much material. And with Something Special, I have a free rein with the visual slapstick although I'm given a storyline first.

Thepurplestar: Have you got any more weekend visits to the CBeebies house planned? JustinFletcher: I love going into the CBeebies house as it gives me an opportunity to work with the other presenters. I'm sure I'll be popping up again there soon. Imaginewittynamehere: Justin, given your almost universal MN popularity have you thought of selling your endorsement to a political party (and donating proceeds to charity of course ) I think you should probably stand for election, maybe in 15 years time when all of today's three year olds could vote too!! JustinFletcher: Ha Ha, ImagineWittyNameHere Notwavingjustironing: One thing has been bugging me for years, were you the "voice" in Alphabet Town and any other VTech toys? I could have sworn it was you. JustinFletcher: To put you out of your misery, yes I provide the voice for several children's toys! Olifin : Justin, do you voice any audio books? JustinFletcher: Yes, I voice some audio books. I've done Wriggle and Roar by Jacqueline Wilson. Iklboo: What's Shaun the Sheep like to work with?

JustinFletcher: It's a joy to work on Shaun the Sheep and I'm very proud to provide his baas! The quality of Aardman's animation is just quite amazing. FattipuffsandThinnifers: Which character do you enjoy playing most? JustinFletcher: That's a really good question! I obviously love Mr. Tumble because I'm a big fan of slapstick but my favourite character in Gigglebiz is probably Arthur Sleep, but then I do love Rapids Johnson and Captain Adorable is great fun too… FioFio: I cannot help wondering though whether you take great pleasure dressing up as a woman? JustinFletcher: I love a challenge and when I dress up as Dina Lady, Nana Knickerbocker or Ann Teak it is certainly a challenge. But it's great fun to play all sorts of characters be they male or female! PfftTheMagicDragon: How many different "Baaaa's" did you have to record for Timmy? JustinFletcher: When I'm recording Shaun I can do up to four hours worth of various baas.

And on Timmy Time I voice Paxton the Pig, Kid the Goat, Finley the Fox and Osbourne the Owl - so I'm something of an expert now in animal noises! stanausauruswrecks: What would you like to do when Gigglebiz/Something Special run their course? Do you plan to move into mainstream TV work? Do you worry that you may be pigeonholed as a children's TV actor forever more? JustinFletcher: I don't think I'm ever going to move away from children's television because I love it so much. I'm absolutely happy where I am. If someone offered me an adult acting role I'd look at it. But to be honest there's a great challenge doing something like Gigglebiz – with 20 different characters - probably more of a challenge than I'd ever get on an adult programme. geordieminx: Any chance of more Higgledy House? JustinFletcher: Sarah-Jane and I are in touch - she's a great friend of mine and we would love to work together again in the future. But there aren't any current plans to bring back Higgledy House.

aloevera: Justin, we need to know if you are the voice of Handy Andy? JustinFletcher: I'm really sorry but I'm not sure who Handy Andy is so I don't think I am the voice! NewShoesonMonday: Could you put some signed photos for sale on MN... to raise money for your chosen charity - or we could order them? I'm sure there are lots of us who'd like to buy a poster or signed DVD or something? And some clothing too please, before our toddler is too old to wear it. T-shirts etc..? Please JustinFletcher: I've brought some signed postcards in with me today, which I'll leave with MN. And the Tumble house is in Devon. Gigglebiz AppleTreeWick: DH and I have cynically exploited their devotion to you by convincing them that you are actually Ray Mears' brother. This means that we can actually watch some grown up TV whilst they are around. The girls are ever hopeful that one day you might pop out of the jungle for a cup of tea with Ray. So my question is: have you ever considered creating a programme in collaboration with Ray Mears? We would definitely buy the box set.

JustinFletcher: To AppleTreeWick and everybody else who's interested in the Ray Mears collaboration! I haven't thought about working with Ray Mears but wildlife is a big interest of mine and I would love to come up with a wildlife show for young children. So I would be all ears if someone like Ray Mears got in touch. Or perhaps Rapids Johnson from Gigglebiz and Ray could get together in some way! PaisleyLeaf: Where's Wiggyville? It looks a gorgeous little place. JustinFletcher: Wigglyville is Portmerion in North Wales and it's a beautiful spot. Gingernutlover: My daughter aged four loves all of your shows, especially Gigglebiz; she thinks you are great, just wanted to say well done for creating some fantastic TV. She wants to know who your favourite character is in Gigglebiz, she likes Captain Adorable best! (I don't think she really believes the others are you!) JustinFletcher: Tell your daughter I like Captain Adorable too and Arthur Sleep and Rapids Johnson are my other favourites. Bluecats: When you do the short clip of Captain Adorable, there is a little stripy cat on the tree. Where does the cat come from?

I have the exact same cat that I bought for myself years ago in Germany which my daughter adopted as hers and cannot go to sleep without. I tried to get hold of an extra one in case she loses hers, but the company stopped making them. JustinFletcher: You've got me there but I could try to find out... Megatron: My children have grown up with you and my six year old wants to know if you have any new shows in the pipeline? JustinFletcher: Do tell your six year old that we're about to film a new series of Something Special and I can let all you MNetters know first - we're just going to go into production with a second series of Gigglebiz and we'll take all your feedback about the characters etc to the table! Picante: Do you have any plans to do a Gigglebiz tour? JustinFletcher: Hi Picante and others who've asked, there are no plans for a Gigglebiz tour at the moment but I am in early discussions about doing a live show next year. bran: Not a question, but a bit of rude constructive criticism.

Please drop Nana Knickerbocker from Gigglebiz, it's just not as funny as the rest of the sketches. My question is a bit personal, I saw you being interviewed on The One Show and you weren't at all as I thought you would be. Were you putting on an adult persona for adult TV or are you naturally softly spoken with minimal gesticulation? If so, what drew you to the clown/children's TV industry? JustinFletcher: I'm sorry you don't like Nana Knickerbocker. I think you must have seen me on Breakfast News not The One Show. Obviously, I have a different persona when I'm presenting to children but doing an interview on adult TV is a very different environment. I was drawn to children's TV because I used to watch Philip Schofield reading the birthday cards in the broom cupboard and I thought "I'd like to have a go at that". Philip was a good inspiration to me. Wigeon: Can you suggest some more verses?

I am a bit fed up of "Na na na na na na Gigglebiz Na na na na ho ho ho Na na na na na na Gigglebiz Na na na na it's time to go Gigglebiz gigglebiz, we've had a lovely time Gigglebiz gigglebiz ho ho ho Gigglebiz gigglebiz we've had a lot of fun Gigglebiz gigglebiz ho ho ho" JustinFletcher: I'm sorry you're a bit fed up with the theme tune but we did consciously try to keep it very simple because we wanted children to be able to sing along with it! charlieandlola: What is Mr Tumble's favourite biscuit? JustinFletcher: Mr. Tumble is a fan of custard creams! Zephyrcat: My four year old Ellie would love to ask you which is your favourite song from Something Special (SS)? JustinFletcher: My favourite song from SS is 'Down in the Jungle' because I have great fun doing the animal actions! Stillenacht: How do the children /special schools on Something Special get chosen? Are they written to or do they contact the producer?

JustinFletcher: It's a mix of schools that are chosen by our research team and schools that write in and put their schools forward. Nessarose: Are there signs that we can do one-handed? (temporary measure) JustinFletcher: Yes, there are lots of signs you can do one-handed. If you go onto the Makaton website you can find out further information Littleozz: It is sad that SS is not on as much on CBeebies these days. Will it be coming back with new episodes? JustinFletcher: Yes, we're filming new episodes of Something Special at the moment and you should be able to watch it every weekday for at least the next year! Megatron: You must find the reaction to SS very rewarding, did you expect such a great response or has it come as a surprise to you? JustinFletcher: It came as a huge shock to discover how popular Something Special became so quickly and, absolutely, it's the most rewarding show I do - no doubt! LoveBeingAMummy: My question is why isn't the hello and goodbye song signed anymore? DD adored this and it has certainly confused her.

JustinFletcher: This is a really good point and it's something we're all very aware of. Basically because Something Special has gone Out and About we no longer record the signed hello and goodbye songs in the studio. And because of the way CBeebies repeats programmes, children often have to switch between the old studio-based episodes and the new location episodes which I know can be confusing. We know children benefit from routine so we've made our new out-and-about episodes very repetitive (in a good way!) with lots of clear signposts. My producer has told me that we may have the opportunity in the future to go back into the studio and if so we'll look at reintroducing the songs. I hope that helps a bit. Valpollicella: Have you learnt Makaton as you've filmed the shows, or have you undertaken any 'formal' courses? JustinFletcher: Due to the time restraints we have with filming it hasn't been possible for me to do long courses, but I have training before filming starts when obviously we concentrate on the key signs. But I'd really love to do a proper course and extend my Makaton vocabulary.

Booboobedoo: My question is (just out of nosiness curiosity): did you have a specific interest in SN programming from the beginning, or was it a happy accident? You clearly have an affinity and sympathy with the children, which makes me wonder if you have had any personal experience with SN kids. JustinFletcher: When I was filming Tikkabilla, the producer Allan Johnston had the idea for a new series (Something Special) and he asked me if I would be interested in learning sign language for children with learning difficulties. And I just jumped at it - there was no question of me not doing it! But, no, I hadn't worked previously with children with learning difficulties. scrappydappydoo: Why are the Something Special DVDs so expensive? JustinFletcher: I do take your point about the price of the DVDs but the good news is that there is a new DVD coming out soon, which is produced by BBC Worldwide, and which I think IS cheaper. TotalChaos: How did (SS) come about? JustinFletcher: Something Special was the brainchild of producer Allan Johnston who before he worked in television was a teacher in mainstream education, then special needs education and in a school for children with severe learning difficulties.

A few years later at CBeebies he was asked to make a series about communication and it took him back to when he was teaching. He thought it was a great opportunity to make a series about Makaton – and the rest is history. I'm very happy to ask him if he'd like to come on and do a webchat if you'd like! treacletart: I am desperate to know the back story behind that stunning house! DH would also like to know where it is in <hush> real life - he thinks it might be in the West Country somewhere... JustinFletcher: DH is right – it is in the West Country , in Devon. We thought it would be funny to have a place where all the Tumble family would be contained in one place and this was an ideal spot. shanks313: Are there any plans for more SS...Gigglebiz merchandise? JustinFletcher: There aren't currently any plans for books, merchandise or an SS tour at the moment, but we do have interest from time to time from publishers and merchandisers so watch this space! We've always thought that signing books or a Mr.

Tumble sensory doll would be a good idea but we wouldn't want to produce merchandise for merchandises sake - it would have to stay true to what Something Special is all about. There is going to be a Something Special magazine out though in a couple of weeks, so watch out for that. BitOfFun: Can I ask if my daughter (nine) would enjoy your programme? I have been moved reading accounts of how children have responded to it, but warn you that she is low-functioning autistic with severe learning disabilities, and has never shown much interest in TV, beyond being soothed by music channels. She has laughed like a drain at Takeshi's castle though. May I ask if you would contemplate jumping into muddy water somewhat clumsily from a great height? It may just hook her in... JustinFletcher: I think your daughter may well like Mr Tumble if she likes clumsiness. Do let me know what she thinks of it. I have already jumped off many things as I do all my own stunts! Arabica: Do you ever run workshops on communicating with children with learning disabilities? Would be useful for health professionals too...

JustinFletcher: I don't do workshops but when I do live shows I quite often sing and sign at the same time. 2shoes: Would you ever consider doing something aimed at older kids with SN? JustinFletcher: Yes absolutely - I'm always open to new ideas. StewieGriffinsMom: Is it true when you received your MBE that one of the guards shouted "Mr Tumble" as you walked away? How shocked were you? JustinFletcher: Yes it is true! It was the funniest thing but I had to keep a straight face because I literally met the Queen a minute later! Olifin: What was your favourite subject at school? JustinFletcher: I just loved drama - my first part was the Artful Dodger in Oliver! Tinkhastwoeasterbunnies: How old are you? I am only interested as it is hard to tell. JustinFletcher: Don't tell anyone else, but I'm 39! Stillenacht: Did you study performing arts/theatre studies at university? What was your route into TV? JustinFletcher: Yes I did study at the Guildford School of Acting for three years.

I moved into television in 1994 - my first job was Fun Song Factory after sending a letter to producer Iain Lauchlan, who went on to co-create The Tweenies. Amiable: Do you use the Makaton now in your personal life - if you meet a child with special needs in the street for instance? JustinFletcher: Yes, I do use Makaton when I meet children. If they use signing as well I sign straightaway with them. Tinkhastwoeasterbunnies: My daughter is sat on my lap she is four years old and loves you. She would like to ask: do you have any cats or kittens? Do you have an oven? JustinFletcher: Yes I have two cats - Freckles and Muggles - and I have an oven too! tinkhastwoeasterbunnies: What do you like doing in your spare time? JustinFletcher: I have very little spare time but I like to go to the movies when I can and working in the garden. I built a duck pond yesterday! Booboobedoo: Luvvy question: if you went to Guildford, were you taught by Peter Roberts? He's my hero.

JustinFletcher: I wasn't taught by Peter but I do know him, he's a lovely chap. Scrappydappydoo: Were you anymore than just friends with Sarah-Jane? Seeing as you shared Higgledy house and all.... Or more seriously, who is Mr Tumble going to vote for?? JustinFletcher: Sarah Jane and I are great pals. And if Aunt Polly was willing to stand for election, Mr Tumble would vote for her! SeverusIsMySlave: Are you ticklish?! And what is your favourite sandwich filling?! JustinFletcher: Yes, I'm ticklish, and my favourite sandwich filling is avocado and bacon. Mumofmonsters: Has anyone asked Justin what his favourite biscuit is? JustinFletcher: My favourite biscuits are fig rolls! Lockinsgonecurly: When children meet you do they all start signing? JustinFletcher: Yes, children often sign when they meet me. It's remarkable and I'm always astounded by the levels of children's signing - quite often they're better than I am! nobodysfool: Can you tell us something about you that would surprise us? JustinFletcher: Tell you something that would surprise you?

Well I own four bumper cars - that often surprises people! Mamaglee: I'd like to know what you wanted to be when you grew up? JustinFletcher: At school I wanted to be a film director, but somehow I've found myself in front of camera instead. IvaNighSpare: Are the CBeebies staff Christmas parties the deliciously sordid and depraved affairs my twisted head wants them to be? JustinFletcher: Sadly, there isn't a CBeebies Christmas party - or if there is I've never been invited! Clarissimo: If you have one tip for someone who wants to be a children's entertainer on TV, what would it be? JustinFletcher: I was taught how to present by a man called Iain Lauchlan and he taught me the "three Cs" of presenting - clarity, contact and commitment which I've always tried to have in the back of my mind. If DS2 is really serious about being a children's presenter my advice would be that he should practise as much as he can doing pieces to camera with a video camera. EVye: What is your favourite CBeebies programme (not your own) and why?

JustinFletcher: Hi EVye, that's a really good one and it's got me! Actually I'm going to go with Charlie and Lola, that's a great programme. sunchild77: I'm just wondering how on earth you manage to have a personal life? JustinFletcher: Hi Sunchild77. I'm very lucky to have been extremely busy for the last 15 years and I each year I always think it's going to get quieter and it never does. I absolutely love what I do but it does make difficult to have personal life. ruddynorah: Are you generally mobbed when you go out? It occurs to me that you are a very recognisable huge celeb to millions of kids, though anyone without children wouldn't really know who you are. So what do you do? Avoid play gyms and stick to sophisticated champagne bars?? JustinFletcher: Funnily enough a lot of adults do recognise me - especially students! And quite a lot of my mail comes from adults saying that they watch Gigglebiz - so it's not just adults with children. I'm very lucky as most of the feedback is positive so it's not a problem.

Besom: I was wondering which performers you have been most inspired by? JustinFletcher: The comedians that have inspired me are Rik Mayall, Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton and Jim Carrey. SawneyBeane: Can you tell us what's happened to Sarah-Jane and do you have any plans to work with her in the future? JustinFletcher: Sarah-Jane is going to be doing a great new show on Cbeebies later in the year called Mighty Mites about encouraging children to try out different activities. And we would love to work with each other again but there's nothing on the cards at the moment. LittleMissNorty: Do you have children of your own? Do you practise your Gigglebiz characters on them? JustinFletcher: No, I don't have children of my own but I'd like a family one day. In the meantime I practise my Gigglebiz characters on my niece and nephew! Shanks313: Hi Justin, my kids adore you and we are coming to see you in panto (front row seats). We were wondering will there be a chance to meet you after the show?

JustinFletcher: Tell me when you're coming and I'll give the children a big wave. Gypsymummy: What does it take to be a hit with young children and do you reckon it is something you can learn with time? JustinFletcher: I think you have to enjoy what you do really and hopefully that enjoyment rubs off on the children - I always think I've got one of the best jobs in the world. That's why I love doing live shows because you can work off the energy given off by the children. Mr Tumble aka Justin Fletcher: The TV clown the Queen can't resist | Daily Mail Online The TV clown the Queen can't resist Mr Tumble aka Justin Fletcher is a hit with young children, celebrities and royalty The Queen, in some matters at least, is just like any other grandmother. When she is playing hostess to her youngest grandchildren, Prince Edward’s offspring Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, she switches on CBeebies and watches Justin Fletcher. So when she handed him an MBE, she told him: ‘Well done and keep up the good work.’ ‘It seems incredible, but when I went to get my award her advisers told me that she watched my shows,’ says Justin.

If you have anything to do with young children, you will know that Justin, known as ‘Mr Tumble’, is The Man. Celebrities certainly seem to think so. Gary Barlow is desperate to write a song with him. Peter Kay wants them to do a comedy together. Simon Pegg planned to appear on one of his shows before filming got in the way, and Chris Martin is another admirer. Justin is currently in six programmes on pre-school channel CBeebies and has appeared in many of its favourites in the ten years since its launch. As well as providing voices for Tweenies and Timmy Time, there’s the award-winning Something Special, aimed at children with special needs, sketch show Gigglebiz and slapstick Justin’s House. He is the first pre-school presenter to win a Bafta, and at festivals he has got used to performing in front of crowds of 30,000 people. And he has just brought out his first album — with traditional nursery rhymes turned into dance tunes. His album is set to be the most successful ever by a children’s entertainer — he is even currently outselling Jessie J and looks like soon overtaking Noel Gallagher.

Just Fletcher as weather presenter Gail Force, one of 26 characters he plays in the show Gigglebiz Next up is an arena tour, plans for his own gig at the O2 and a feature film, and he is also putting together ideas for a nature show. It’s no surprise he has been described as the busiest man on TV. Gigglebiz alone has 26 different characters and takes months to film. Most of the characters are larger than life, with bright clothes and shiny, shouty personalities. But the Justin Fletcher sitting in front of me is a lot quieter. The real Justin enjoys trout fishing and long walks along the Cornish coastline. The 41-year-old is single and doesn’t have children, but says: ‘I can’t wait to have them, and it will happen, but at the moment I don’t know how because I barely get any time off.’ Justin came from a showbusiness family; his father is a songwriter whose back catalogue includes many of Cliff Richard’s hits, such as Cliff’s 1973 Eurovision entry Power To All Our Friends. When Justin attended drama school, he was intent on being a serious actor. But he was always attracted to slapstick.

His big sister, a newsreader for Meridian Television, produced a show reel for him, and two weeks later it was picked up by producer Iain Lauchlan, who told him: ‘You have a big career in children’s programmes.’ It is unlikely that even Lauchlan knew how big his protégé would become. He says his biggest accomplishment is Something Special. It’s the only children’s programme specifically made for children with special needs. It was an instant hit — and remains one of the highest rating children’s shows. ‘The reaction really is magical,’ he says, as tears spring to his eyes. ‘We were working at a school with a four-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who had not spoken for six months. I asked her “Have you had a good day?” and she said “Yes”. We all had to take a minute to get our heads around what had happened.’ Some mothers take their love of Justin seriously. ‘You do get some funny things when you do chats with parenting websites,’ he says.

‘I’ll be answering questions when a message will come up saying: “Will you marry me?” ‘When I did a meet-and-greet, a woman handed me a package and said: 'This is from my children.' ‘It was a bit damp and I opened it up to find their dummies. My tour manager said: 'I’ve seen it all now.’ Mr Tumble at Newcastle's Discovery Centre - Chronicle Live Mr Tumble at Newcastle's Discovery Centre GIGGLES, jokes and oodles of songs were on the cards when Mr Tumble came to Newcastle. Share Mr Tumble from CBeebies entertaining 300 kids at the Discovery Museum in the Seven Stories event Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email GIGGLES, jokes and oodles of songs were on the cards when Mr Tumble came to Newcastle. Children’s presenter Justin Fletcher – the man behind characters such as Mr Tumble, Gail Force and Professor Muddles – entertained young and old at the city’s Discovery Museum.

Justin, who has won two Best Children’s Television Presenter Baftas and was awarded an MBE for services to children’s broadcasting, has just launched a new joke book for children – Justin’s Jokes. The star has been collecting jokes since he started working on the award-winning programme Something Special, as well as during his popular character comedy show, Gigglebiz. Justin said: “When Faber asked me to do a joke book it was a no-brainer. I’ve been collecting jokes from the kids for years. It’s great to have an opportunity to gather these together in a joke book.” Hannah Griffiths, publishing director at Faber and Faber, said: “Justin Fletcher is the funniest man on kids’ TV. His shows are a real relief during those lost hours of early parenthood. “I am absolutely delighted that he’s signed up for his first book and the jokes in this book are fresh and really work for this age group.” The event – which featured characters, jokes and sing-a-long songs – was held at the Discovery Museum in collaboration with Seven Stories, Newcastle’s centre for children’s books. Tickets for the show sold out in record time. Local mum Hannah Robson said: “My daughter loves Justin.

We get squeals of delight when he comes on TV.” Justin’s book is aimed at kids aged three to six, and his new series, Justin’s House, is currently airing on CBeebies. Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent King of children's TV Mr Tumble makes an Easter date with Cardiff - Wales Online News King of children's TV Mr Tumble makes an Easter date with Cardiff Mum of two Jessica Flynn is among those rejoicing that Justin Fletcher aka Mr Tumble will entertain little ones at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Share Justin Fletcher on stage with CBeebies characters Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email If you’ve not heard of Justin Fletcher then you probably don’t have children under the age of 10. He’s very well known in our house and I consider him a genius. Not many programmes have the same effect on my two as his. As soon as the theme tunes to his programmes start an air of silence descends on the house and they are found sat in front of the telly not moving an inch. My son is a huge fan of Mr Tumble and loves to sign along with the colourful character.

Putting him to bed one night I could hear him in his room repeating Mr Tumble word for word saying: “Friend, you sign friend” whilst doing the sign language symbol for friend. My daughter loves watching Gigglebiz, a sketch show programme which has an unbelievable 40 characters and has you laughing from start to finish. For me and my husband we relish the time these programmes are on as it means we can get at least 20 minutes to put the washing out, clear the breakfast dishes or just get some order in place before the programmes end and normal service is resumed. Justin Fletcher as Mr Tumble So who is the man behind these programmes? The son of songwriter Guy Fletcher – who has written songs for Tom Jones , Elvis and Joe Cocker to name but a few – it was while watching Phillip Schofield in the broom cupboard many moons ago that Justin knew he’d found his calling. He saw something he knew he could do and for me and millions of other parents he’s doing it so much better than the silver fox. “It all started 23 years ago,” said Justin, who studied drama at the Guilford School of Acting and made a showreel called Justin Time TV.

“I left drama school and I knew I wanted to be involved in children’s television. I did a mail out and got a call back.” After voicing a couple of characters in the Tweenies it was while he was filming Tikkabilla that Justin was asked by Allan Johnston, a former BBC producer, to try for the role of Mr Tumble. “Allan was working with me on Tikkabilla when he said he had a budget to make a programme about Makaton sign language,” he says. “I went on a crash course and had a couple of weeks to learn around 300 signs and then we filmed it. “The concept of Mr Tumble was there but I brought my slap stick skills to it.” Although primarily aimed at children with disabilities, Mr Tumble has captured the imagination and hearts of many a child and adult. “The show is very inclusive, anyone can use that sign language,” he said. “I meet the most wonderful kids. “It’s lovely when you get emails to say the show has had a positive effect on children.” Awarded an MBE In 2008, Justin was awarded an MBE for services to ‘children’s broadcasting and the voluntary sector’ and is also a BAFTA winner five times over.

So after all these years does he still get the same buzz as he did when he was starting out? “I love what I do,” he says. “On Gigglebiz I came up with most of the characters. I love Keith Fitt, Professor Muddles, Arthur Sleep and Gale Force, they are all enjoyable and too many to pick my favourite. “I play more than 40 characters for Gigglebiz and for some I can be in make-up for three hours so I can forget which character I’m playing and have to look in the mirror to see which one I am. “Some of the characters I play in the programme I came up with 18 years ago so they are in my DNA. I’ve had the different voices in my head for so long I can just switch them on.” In his civvies What can audiences at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena expect? Joining Justin on stage for Justin & Friends: Mr Tumble's Circus are his other Cbeebies friends Cat Sandion, Swashbuckle presenter Gem as well as Andy Day and Robert the Robot. “We’ve got a fantastic team that work with us,” says Justin.

“I have a wardrobe of eight characters and for some costume changes I have as little as five or six seconds so you need to be very focused back stage. The slicker you can make the changes the more visually impressive the show is. “We’ve got loads going on little monster will be there, Aunty Polly, Keith Fitt, Arthur Sleep, it’s great as everyone has their own favourite show and character which is great and the show is bringing them together.” And for the future? “I’ve still got a lot more ideas in the pipeline,” reveals Justin. “For me I don’t like to sit still. I will carry on until I can’t go on anymore.” Phew! Am I glad to hear that. Justin & Friends: Mr Tumble’s Circus is at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on April 1 at 1.30pm and 4.45pm and April 2 at 11am and 2pm.

Call 029 2022 4488 or visit Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent Justin Fletcher on life as the biggest star on children’s TV - Wales Online Lifestyle Justin Fletcher on life as the biggest star on children’s TV Justin Fletcher is the biggest star in the pre-school constellation, the man responsible for such children’s favourites as Mr Tumble, Justin’s House and Gigglebiz. Share Justin Fletcher on stage with CBeebies characters Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Justin Fletcher is the biggest star in the pre-school constellation, the man responsible for such children’s favourites as Mr Tumble, Justin’s House and Gigglebiz. Now as he leads the stars of CBeebies to Cardiff for a run of arena shows, Dave Owens meets the larger-than-life 41-year-old to talk pint-sized riots, his pop star childhood and life away from children’s telly DO: What’s it like being mobbed wherever you go? I’ve seen some pictures of your public appearances and frankly it looks like Beatlemania for the under-fives. JF: Ha! Yes, it can be.

I’m actually finding the age range of my audience is growing steadily. For instance, at the last signing I did there were people there in their early teens. Different programmes I’ve done appeal to different people. Take Gigglebiz, that has got quite a big student following. It’s like a pre-school version of The Fast Show, but I get letters from kids in the teens saying they love Farmer Dung or Professor Muddles. I try and create shows that the whole family can watch, not just children. I think that is the key really, to make them very engaging for everyone. DO: Are you continually taken aback by the reaction you get? JF: I am, I really am, especially when I’m out and about making live appearances. I switched the lights on in Belfast last November. We had 25,000 turn up for the switch on. I was just staggered, I really couldn’t believe it. I had to switch the lights on an hour early because there were so many people there. It’s all about the feedback. I get some lovely letters about the shows. Especially the programme I work on which is called Something Special, which uses a form of sign language called Makaton.

We get letters from parents saying their child has spoken for the first time after watching the programme. These shows are very important to the parents. I’m in a very blessed job. DO: Can it be quite scary, the euphoria that breaks out? JF: It’s not so much scary it’s just sometimes, when I’m not working and I’m out, if I just nip down the road to the supermarket then I can get a lot of attention. I’m not brilliant with that I have to say. I’m quite a shy lad actually when I’m off screen and off the stage. DO: Really? I find that difficult to believe given your larger-than-life persona. JF: Yeah, I am. When I have a small amount of downtime I tend to enjoy country walks. I’m quite a hideaway Henry! Don’t get me wrong the feedback is great though, and that’s what drives me on. DO: So, you have these two personas – on and off screen? JF: I think so, yeah. But I do like to think that generally I am quite a jolly chap. I’ve got quite a lot of nieces and nephews to entertain and try out my material on them.

DO: Would you like to settle down and have children? JF: Yeah, I would love that yes. At the minute I’m working my socks off. I’m a bit of a workaholic I have to say, but in the last couple of years I have thought to myself I would like to take more time off and have a family and settle down a little bit more. At the minute though I’ve got a real buzz about what I’m doing and feel I’ve got a lot more to give. DO: You must be inundated with marriage proposals though. JF: (Laughs) Well I did a chat on Mumsnet last year and I did get several marriage proposals in one morning. It was fantastic and very welcome. DO: How do you let off steam? You can’t be this irredeemably chirpy all the time, can you? JF: I do have quiet times when I like to escape. You’ve got to. My absolute ideal is to escape to the countryside and go fly-fishing. Or go for walks in the country. I live in the Berkshire area, so I go off and jump in the car and go exploring for the day. I enjoy those quiet moments.

I used to live in London for several years, but I’m a country lad at heart. My dad used to have a farm for a while, so I’ve been brought up around horses and sheep. Open countryside is definitely preferable to me. DO: You’ve just released an album called Hands Up. What can we expect from that? JF: We’re bottling what I do on the live arena circuit. We asked the children what they wanted and we’ve picked very familiar songs, very interactive songs such as Heads, Shoulders, Knees And Toes, If You’re Happy And You Know It, and Old MacDonald. This is very much a party album where the kids can sing and dance along to the songs. And of course we’ve got Hands Up, which is the big poppy single we’re releasing. I sing this at the festivals and the arena shows. It’s the song that gets all the kids, the mums and even the dads up and dancing. DO: Are you a bit of a frustrated pop star then? JF: No, not really, but I did grow up in a very musical family. My dad (Guy Fletcher) is a songwriter. I was very familiar with that kind of world.

My dad’s studio was built into the house as well. I met some really interesting composers and bands when we were growing up. My dad wrote for Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley, The Hollies and Frankie Valli amongst others. DO: Did you meet a lot of those people when you were growing up? JF: Yes I did. They used to come in a lot. I particularly remember Rick Wakeman and Cliff Richard popping by. Dad wrote Cliff’s 1973 Eurovision entry Power To All Our Friends for him. It was quite normal to meet people like that. When you’re younger you don’t think anything of it. DO: So what does Cliff Richard think of Cliff Tumble? (Mr Tumble’s pop star alter-ego is an hilarious homage to Cliff Richard.) JF: I don’t know to be honest. I asked my father the other day what Cliff thought of it and he said he would ask him, so I’m still waiting on that one. He’s a popular character though. People love him and I think it’s a fitting tribute to Cliff. DO: What music do you like yourself? JF: I’ve got very eclectic tastes, but my big love is film music.

You know John Williams, and particularly earlier than that, like Erich Korngold’s music. Really swashbuckling stuff from the Errol Flynn films, Robin Hood, Sea Hawk and Captain Blood, those sorts of films. I actually come up with a lot of my ideas from listening to music first. As far as modern day stuff is concerned I like Coldplay and Take That. The first record I ever bought was Rhinestone Cowboy by Glenn Campbell, which is not bad for a first single! DO: My three-year-old loves your newest show Justin’s House. It’s the only time I can guarantee peace and quiet in my house. What was the thinking behind it? JF: I like to reinvent myself. I’ve been doing this now for nearly 17 years, so every couple of years I like to come up with a new format that keeps things very fresh. When I pitched the show the idea was to bring back the Crackerjack format. That show ran for a long time. It’s bottling the live show for television. We shoot in front of a live audience of 150 children. We try not to stop shooting while we’re filming and shoot in one go as a live show.

I’m glad to say that the second series of Justin’s House has just been commissioned so we’ll start shooting another 25 of those and we’ve got another 25 Something Specials to film, and of course, we’ve got the CBeebies Live Arena show, so we’re busy! DO: What can we expect from CBeebies Live? JF: We’ve got some great seasoned performers in it, 15 to 20 star CBeebies characters. There’s a lot for the kids to enjoy. That is pre-school rock ‘n’ roll right there I think. DO: Will there come a time when you will hanker for a career away from children’s television do you think? JF: Maybe in years to come I’ll go behind the camera. I’ve got my own production company now and we’ve started to produce DVDs and theatre shows, so I don’t think I will ever want to leave the world of children’s television and theatre behind for good. That’s all I wanted to do when I was at drama school. I’ve had some lovely emails from people like Peter Kay and Simon Pegg telling me how much they enjoyed my shows. I’m very flattered about that.

I trained as an actor so I’d maybe like to have a go at some adult comedy acting with people like that, so who knows? But I’d can’t see myself giving up CBeebies anytime yet. Justin Fletcher appears as part of the CBeebies Live Tour at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday (2pm and 5pm) and Wednesday (11am and 2pm). Tickets priced £17-£25 from the box office on 029 2022 4488 or via Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent Win one of Justin Fletcher's new joke books Rhyme Time and Chuckle Time - Get Reading Lifestyle Win one of Justin Fletcher's new joke books Rhyme Time and Chuckle Time The children's television favourite will be visiting Waterstones in The Oracle in Saturday, July 26 with his new books Rhyme Time and Chuckle Time Share Justin Fletcher will be at Waterstones on Saturday, July 26 Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Children's television favourite Justin Fletcher will be signing his new books in Reading this month and we've got some copies to give away.

We've teamed up with Waterstones to offer three lucky winners the chance to win copies of Justin's new books Rhyme Time and Chuckle Time. The first winner to be drawn will also take home a bumper selection of books including Justin's Jokes and Justin's Funny Faces Sticker Activity Book. Readers of Chuckle Time will be laughing their socks off with more than 200 jokes packed into the pages, while Rhyme Time sees Justin take children through his favourite traditional poems. Both books feature photos of Justin and illustrations, making them fun and accessible books for young readers.Young fans can get their books signed when Justin visits Waterstones in The Oracle on Saturday, July 26, at 9am. Justin Fletcher star of Mr Tumble has written a number of children's books including Justin's Chuckle Time The man behind characters like Mr Tumble, Gail Force and Professor Muddles, Justin is hugely popular with young audiences and the event is expected to be popular so people are advised to arrive early. Justin, who lives in Twyford, has won three BAFTAs for Best Children's Television Presenter and was awarded an MBE for his services to children's television and the charity sector.

He is also a pantomime favourite and has starred in panto at The Hexagon several times. He'll be returning to The Hexagon in September for his all-singing, all-dancing stage show Justin Live from Saturday, September 6, to Sunday, September 11. Justin Live features interactive song and dance routines and appearances by many of Justin's favourite characters. Tickets are on sale now, visit for more information. Waterstones in The Oracle is also running a Justin Fletcher drawing competition until July 20, with the chance to win a family ticket to Justin Live. More information is available in store. To be in with a chance of winning one of three Justin Fletcher book prizes answer the following question: Which is these is a character played by Justin? a) Mr Tumble b) Sooty d) Postman Pat Send your answer together with your name, address and telephone number to carolinecook@trinitysouth.co.uk by noon on Wednesday, July 16. Winners details will be passed to Waterstones to allocate prizes. Standard Trinity Mirror rules apply.

See Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Something Special TV Programme product reviews and price comparison Disadvantages Excellent pre-school programme First aired on CBeebies in 2005, Something Special has somewhat evolved over the last eight years and yet has managed to keep the ethos that makes it so special. At the very basic level Something Special is a pre-school programme featuring the adventures of Justin Fletcher along with Mr Tumble and his family. But it is far more than that, this programme is targeted towards a very specific group of preschoolers, those with special needs and it manages to relate to this target audience without alienating other young children or the adults that are roped into watching. When Something Special first hit the screens there was very little on screen to cater to those with special needs, especially on the free to view channels. There was the occasional screening of an episode of Playbus featuring Dave Benson Phillips, who would use Makaton signing, but really that was it, so for my then ten year old, learning disabled, Makaton using son, Something Special was simply a breathe of fresh air.

==Makaton, what's that then?== Before I go any further, it's perhaps important to talk a little about Makaton as it's the use of this that makes Something Special so, well, special. Makaton is a communication system that incorporates signing and symbols and is used in many special schools and by speech therapists to help children with speech and language difficulties communicate more effectively. Although loosely based on British Sign Language, it has been greatly simplified and children are encouraged to say the word at the same time as signing. By using the signs to augment the child's speech, rather than replace it, the child's confidence in speaking is increased as even unclear speech can be understood by those who understand the signs. In fact, as the majority of the signs are self-evident, there's a good chance that even those who do not technically know the signs may be able to work out what the child is saying/signing. As well as simply helping children communicate, Makaton can also help improve their behaviour, a lot of a younger child's temper tantrums stem from their inability to communicate their needs and wants. Imagine being hungry or thirsty and unable to tell someone, you would get frustrated and possibly angry, just as a child would.

This is easily solved by helping the child with unclear speech to learn the signs for eat and drink. My own experiences with Makaton span over ten years, my older son uses Makaton and has done from the age of six (before that he used a slightly different system). More recently I've been using Makaton with my now three year old son, Freddy, who has a learning disability and has a very large speech delay. It's taken a lot of time, but Freddy is now able to communicate his immediate needs with a mix of signs and words and can even hold a very basic conversation. Something that has become very apparent is that the use of Makaton has actually encouraged his vocalisations, rather than hinder them, which is something that has confused a few people who wonder why we still use signs now he's starting to talk. ==Something Special== With each episode lasting approximately 20 minutes, Something Special has followed the same basic format, with slight changes in each series. The original series was very much studio based, but later series have involved everyday situations that children may experience, such as visiting a supermarket or going on holiday.

As they are the two formats most commonly shown at the moment, the rest of this review will now focus on "Out and About" and "Fun With Friends". The undoubted Star of Something Special is of course Justin Fletcher, who not only plays himself but also stars as Mr Tumble, Granddad Tumble, Lord Tumble, Aunt Polly, Aunt Suki, Cool Tumble, well you get the idea. Each episode opens on Mr Tumble, who is instantly recognisable in his clown outfit and has three special things he wants Justin to find as he explores a different scenario with his friends. In the earlier series these special things were shown as framed photos, but in the latest (Fun With Friends) the photos have been replaced with a tablet called the Tumble Tap. Either way, Mr Tumble puts the three special things in his spotty bag, which we then send the bag off to Justin using the magic. It's at this point we are introduced to the other stars of the show, the children, and I love that the children encompass a wide range of disabilities, especially as I believe that disabled people are grossly under-represented on television as a whole.

In each episode, Justin meets up with his friends and they then explore a place or concept. All kinds of different concepts have been explored, including a visit to an animal sanctuary, a supermarket, leisure centre and even a camp with Beaver Scouts. This vast range of activities over the different series has allowed a large number of different items and signs to be introduced, in a way that is relevant to young children. As the episode progresses children are encouraged to look for the three special things, waving or cheering when they find them. As each special thing is found, both it's sign and symbol is introduced, with Justin signing first followed by some children signing. I love the sense of inclusion in this aspect, the way that both vocal and non-vocal children are encouraged to look for the special things and signify that they've found them. I also love the way that the children signing all have different levels of skill and speech, meaning that Freddy doesn't feel that his signs have to be perfect to be understood. Another aspect I like is the way that Justin speaks to the children, he is in no way patronising and really does seem to get down to their level.

At some point while looking at/for the special things the action will cut to Mr Tumble and his family as they play out a skit focussing on the concept being explored. This is by far my own favourite part of the programme, and is the perfect mix of slapstick comedy to keep Freddy entertained. I love all the different characters in Mr Tumble's family, even though they are all played by Justin himself, they are all so different. The one that really brings a smile to my face has to be Cliff Tumble, a very obvious parody of Cliff Richard (Cool Tumble is a very similar character). Freddy's Daddy's favourite character is Granddad Tumble, but we both appreciate the humour that is very firmly aimed at grown ups and helps stop our brains going to mush as we watch the same episode for the tenth time. After the Tumble Tale has finished and we've found all three special things, it's time for the good bye song, which may or may not be signed (depending on the series).

==Freddy and Mr Tumble== There is absolutely no doubt that three year old Freddy absolutely adores Something Special, it is the first programme he will ask for each morning and one that he would watch repeatedly if I let him. The way this programme catches his attention and has helped him learn to sign and communicate is shown by the way he asks for it to be put on. He'll sign Tumble, while saying "bumble" and then once it's on he'll sit in front of the TV, copying the signs and trying to say the words. It's really wonderful to watch him interacting with the programme, rather than rampaging as he usually does. He also uses the signs he's learnt in everyday life, it was so sweet watching him sign to Santa that he was his friend just before Christmas. ==Final Words== Both Freddy and I love Something Special and can't recommend it enough if you have a child under five. It is a fun, educational and interactive programme that is loved by all young children (special needs or not) and one that we watch several times a day. Both Freddy and I are giving Something Special five stars out of five, although I'd imagine that Freddy would give it twenty or more if he could.

AUDIO: CBeebies star Justin Fletcher talks to The Star - The Star AUDIO: CBeebies star Justin Fletcher talks to The Star CBeebies superstar: Justin Fletcher. FORGET Jonathan Ross or Ant and Dec, the most popular man on TV - certainly pre-school television - is Justin Fletcher, who brings his new live show to Sheffield on Wednesday. Never heard of him? Then you don’t know any children aged under five. CBeebies superstar: Justin Fletcher. He is Mr CBeebies and idolised by millions of young fans who also know him as Mr Tumble and a host of other characters. The Bafta award winning presenter and actor is the man behind hits including Fun Song Factory, Tweenies, Tikk-abill-a, Boo!, Chubba, Higgledy House, Something Special and Justin’s House. His debut kids album, Hands Up The Album, went to number 16 in the UK charts last year and he has a new sing-a-long album out, called The Best of Friends. It’s in his blood. Dad, Guy, wrote songs for Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Ray Charles and many others.

Now Justin is bringing his live show, Justin & Friends Easter Tour 2013, to Sheffield Motorpoint Arena for two shows on Wednesday, April 3. It’s the hottest ticket in town. In a rare and exclusive chat with The Star’s digital editor Graham Walker - listen to it below in full - he reveals how he was inspired to become a children’s TV entertainer while watching Phillip Schofield in the BBC1 broom cupboard with Gordon the Gopher. And he gives top tips to tomorrow’s young stars who want to follow in his footsteps. Justin also explains what fans, lucky enough to have a ticket, can expect from his live show. Touring nine cities around the UK, it stops off at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on Wednesday (April 3, 2013) at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Justin said: “I am so excited.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring together all of my favourite characters into one special live show, and I cannot wait to get on the road again.” TICKETS: Book for Justin & Friends at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield are adult £16 to £29.50, children £13 to £29.50, family £52 to £88, subject to booking fee, available in person at the Arena box office, call 0114 256 5656 or buy online at .

Question: Children’s tv presenter Justin Fletcher is the man behind which popular persona?
Answer: MR. TUMBLE