THERE has been a huge change made to a beloved CBeebies show as one of the main stars of the programme takes a big step back.
Justin Fletcher has been the face of Something Special since 2003, with the television presenter doing the show singlehandedly up until now amid the show’s huge shakeup.
The show, which airs on CBeebies uses Makaton signs, speech, and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way.
But in a huge shakeup that will change the show forever, the new series will see two additional presenters joining the much-loved Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher.
Maddie Moate and Ben Cajee will be taking on presenting duties for Something Special, with George Webster also joining Justin throughout the series.
New host Maddie has now broken her silence on her new presenting stint, by sharing her gratitude in an emotional post on Instagram.
“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,” she began in a caption on Instagram.
She went on to add that 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!”
Maddie noted how she, Ben and George have all joined the team and will now have the chance to “guide the children as they look for clues and tried to find their spotty surprise”.
She concluded her touching caption by writing: “I can’t even begin to share my gratitude and awe of the production team behind this show.
“The amount of love and care that goes into making filming the most joyous experience for the children is inspiring. This show is public service broadcasting at its very best.
“The kids ALWAYS come first, and so they should. The programme wouldn’t exist without all our wonderful contributors and all their families.”
Reacting to Maddie’s exciting announcement, fans of the show were quick to flock to the comment section.
“I would argue it’s the most important show on television. This is absolutely fantastic,” penned one person.
Another added: “Cannot wait for this. We’ve watched the old ones so many times I sometimes find I’m saying them in my sleep. You’ll be such a breath of fresh air!!”
While a third penned: “Amazing cannot wait to watch you on it Maddie. Here’s to making makaton more mainstream.”
And a fourth said: “Love this. Such an amazing show, such a brilliant message it sends..”
A description of how the new series will play out was shared by the BBC as part of the exciting announcement of the show’s shakeup.
The description states: “At the start of each episode, Mr Tumble sends his Spotty Bag and Tumble Tapp to one of his presenter friends – Justin, Maddie or Ben.
“The presenter takes the Spotty Bag to meet some children and together they uncover Mr Tumble’s special clues, learn new Makaton signs, and explore, play, and have fun together.”
It adds that the clues will lead to a Spotty Surprise, a themed activity that’s revealed at the end of each episode by Mr Tumble.
The new series of Something Special: We’re all Friends starts on Monday, January 13.
