‘Tiddler’ Makes a Ratings Splash with BBC Viewers

An audience of 7.3 million tuned in to watch Magic Light Pictures’ latest animated special, Tiddler, on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, according to BARB 28-day figures. Premiering on Christmas Day on BBC One, Tiddler had the highest audience share for a Magic Light Pictures film since The Gruffalo in 2009.

Tiddler also received a warm critical reception, with the Telegraph awarding it 5 stars, describing it as “this small but perfectly formed piscine adventure proved a prize catch.” The Radio Times enthused, “This new Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler animation is the perfect watch for all the family.”

Tiddler is the latest animation to the multi-Oscar-nominated production company’s acclaimed line-up of specials based on picture books by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. The story follows a small grey fish with a big imagination who gets lost in the deep wide ocean, until he’s saved by his own storytelling.

The animation launched on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and made it into the top five most-watched Christmas Day programs across all channels and streamers.

The entire Donaldson/Scheffler Magic Light animation back catalog was repeated on BBC One over the holiday period and remain available on BBC iPlayer. They performed 20% up year on year — with every special attracting over a million viewers, and The Gruffalo’s Child, The Smeds and The Smoos and Tabby McTat all securing around 2 million viewers each.

“We are delighted that so many families and children enjoyed Tiddler. It’s always an honor to have our films shown on Christmas Day and for them to become part of so many families’ Christmas traditions,” said Martin Pope, Co-Founder of Magic Light Pictures. “We’re also really pleased to be part of the BBC’s winning line up with a film which seems to have been enjoyed by audiences and critics alike.”

The voice cast for the half-hour animated special was led by Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) as the narrator, Lolly Adefope (Ghosts, Saltburn) as Miss Skate, Jayde Adams (Ruby Speaking, Alma’s Not Normal) as Plaice and other characters, plus Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) — returning for his 12th Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation — in the multiple voice roles of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy.

Tiddler is directed by Andy Martin and Alex Bain, adapted by Michael Bohnenstingl, and produced by Barney Goodland and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures. The film was acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer and Nawfal Faizullah, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor.