Tom Hardy is back doing what he does best… and that’s reading bedtime stories on CBeebies, of course.
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.
His first tale aired last night, and it’s all about 75 years of our wonderful NHS.
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.
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CBeebies Bedtime Stories first hit our screens all the way back in 2006 / Credit: BBC
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.
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And now, the BBC has confirmed that Hardy is back for not just one, but six new episodes.
Tom Hardy helps us to mark #NHS75 with a classic story, Zog and the Flying Doctors, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
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.
Hardy’s first story – which aired on CBeebies last night, and is now available to watch back on BBC iPlayer – 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.
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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.
Featured Image – BBC
TV & Showbiz
Boyzone to reunite for exclusive New Year’s Eve special on the BBC
Danny Jones
2025 has very much been the year of the comeback – be it Oasis, Britpop fashion in general, or short bobs and pixie cuts – so it’s only fitting that we round off the calendar with one last reunion, as throwback boyband Boyzone are set to feature on a TV special on the BBC this New Year’s Eve.
Turns out ‘All That I Need’ to make a year memorable is a load of 1990s nostalgia.
Now, obviously, despite plenty of other music names enjoying a second renaissance over the past 12 months or so, nothing is ever going to be quite as big as the Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour.
However, if you asked us to guess which group from the era were also going to reunite this year back in January, there’s not a chance we would’ve said Boyzone.
Boyzone are telling us about coming back together for one final run in their most unforgettable concerts yet 🎤
After news first began circulating earlier this week, it has now been confirmed that musician turned presenter Ronan Keating will be getting back together with two of his former bandmates.
Joining the 48-year-old for ‘Ronan & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party’, ex-Boyzone members Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch are part of an exciting live music lineup.
Other names include actor and singer, Shona McGarty, who recently starred on season 25 of I’m A Celeb, as well as fellow 90s pop artist Louise Redknapp and singer-songwriter Calum Scott.
The exclusive reunion comes after the success of the recently aired Boyzone: No Matter What documentary show.
Spread across three parts on Sky, the docuseries (named after their hit song from 1998) looks back on the career and journey up the charts back in their heyday, all the way up to the present. After seemingly striking a chord with fans and the lads themselves, it looks like they’re not done after all…
Yes, not only is the festive TV special going to see three of the original members performing alongside each other again, but
Here’s hoping that turns into a springboard for something even bigger, and we get a Manchester arena show sometime soon.
As for the programme itself, ‘Ronan & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party’ will be broadcast on BBC One and made available on BBC iPlayer from Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people who want to adopt dogs in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
If you’ve always wanted to rescue a dog and provide a forever home to an animal in need, this might be your sign – Channel 4 is looking for Mancs to take part in the next series of The Dog House.
The programme is looking for local applicants who may be thinking of adopting a rescue dog, with rescue centres around Greater Manchester feeling the strain.
Rehoming charities have said they’re facing an unprecedented surge in demand.
So now the BAFTA-nominated show The Dog House is keen to hear from people in Manchester who are interested in rehoming a dog, particularly individuals and families with touching, heartfelt reasons for wanting to rehome.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner, a family looking for a new companion, or looking for a new furry friend for your existing pets, The Dog House and its chosen rescue shelter can help.
The show launched in 2019 and is filmed at Woodgreen Pets Charity, shining a light and raising awareness for the joys and realities of rescuing dogs.
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people to adopt dogs in Manchester
Around 90% of dog owners say their pet improves their life, 86% report being physically healthier, and 88% say it benefits their mental wellbeing, according to data shared by Channel 4.
Channel 4 has said that more than 47,000 people contacted Dogs Trust about giving up their dogs last year alone, with the RSPCA reporting that the number of dogs in their care has doubled since 2020.
The Dog House team is now seeking people in Manchester who may be thinking about adopting a rescue dog – whether for companionship, support, wellbeing, or simply the joy of bringing a four-legged friend into their life.
If you or someone you know is considering adopting a dog, you can apply HERE or email [email protected].
Emily Sergeant -
6th July 2023 
