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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
The Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament
Danny Jones
The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.
The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.
With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.
Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.
For the fifth year in a row, we want you to be part of #TheHundredRising! 🎤
So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.
Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.
From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.
The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.
Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.
The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.
It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.
Sarah Harding breast cancer study has helped save over 80 women
Thomas Melia
A life-saving study set in memory of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has seen her lasting legacy extend far beyond music, as now women across the country are getting cancer tests more frequentlythanks to the research.
Funded by The Christie, The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal began its first phase of the BCAN-RAY (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Younger Women) back in May 2023.
Led by Dr Sacha Howell, who was Harding’s consultant, the work explores risk factors and creates personalised early screening options for women as young as 30.
This is extremely important as currently women are only invited for routine breast screenings every three years from 50 onwards. Awareness and being proactive are just as important as research.
Sarah Harding, who passed away in 2021, has a dedicated mural in her hometown of Stockport.Credit: The Manc Group
The studies set up in Sarah‘s legacy are vital now more than ever as breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 35-50 years in the UK.
These more frequent and routine checks from a younger age will be vital, especially since an estimated 10,000 women a year are diagnosed under 50.
The BCAN-RAY study has recruited 500 women aged between 30 and 39 years old, who have had their risk assessment appointments.
Out of this number – 404 patients have been given their risks – 316 as ‘average risk’ and 88 were found as ‘increased risk’.
88 were found as ‘increased risk’ with 58 of these receiving telephone calls to discuss further implications and discuss strategies to reduce this such as diet, exercise and medication.
So far 18 women have had their first mammogram, with no recalls or cancer identified. Following this, each woman is offered regular screening every year until their NHS breast screening starts at age 50.
Dr Sacha Howell commented, “We’re really confident that we have a system that is working, from the results so far, which is great news, these findings mean that we may be able to offer personalised ways to predict and prevent breast cancer more widely in the population in future”.
Girls Aloud featured a glorious tribute to Sarah Harding each night of the show.The lovely Sarah Harding singing to Manchester one last time.Credit: Audio North
In 2022, The Christie art and relaxation room received a wonderful makeover from proceeds raised at the Primrose Ball organised by Girls Aloud.
Within this room, visitors can find a lovely framed picture of Sarah Harding with the quote, “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars” and with all the work accomplished so far, we couldn’t agree more.
If you would like to show your support and help fund this life-changing research set up in Sarah’s legacy, you can donate HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
6th July 2023 
