Strictly's Shirley Ballas set to read special CBeebies Bedtime Story

Strictly's Shirley Ballas set to read special CBeebies Bedtime Story
Source: Daily Mail Online

Shirley Ballas is set to read a special CBeebies Bedtime Story to celebrate the series finale of the hit BBC One show.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 64, will appear on the children's show on Friday and has already filmed the episode at Elstree Studios, home of the famous ballroom.

The former dancer has revealed she is hoping her bed time story will encourage the channel's young audience to keep dancing.

The star will be telling the story of Pippa, who watches her friends express themselves through their special dance moves and wonders if she will ever find the dance in herself.

With gentle encouragement from the others, Pippa discovers that it's all about taking the first step.

Shirley revealed she was so nervous about her appearance that she rehearsed her story several times and even read it out to her grandson Banksi.

Shirley Ballas, 64, is set to read a special CBeebies Bedtime Story to celebrate the series finale of the hit BBC One show

The Strictly Come Dancing judge will appear on the children's show on Friday and has already filmed the episode at Elstree Studios, home of the famous ballroom

The former dancer has revealed she is hoping her bed time story will encourage the channel's young audience to keep dancing

Shirley Ballas said of her appearance: 'I hope I can help children watching at home to find the special dance inside themselves. I'm delighted to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story!'
'When I was preparing for it, I practised by reading Big Dance over video call to my one-year-old grandson, Banksi and it was fabulous to see his delighted reaction.'

Shirley's one off appearance comes after Gary Oldman left fans in 'tears' when he read the CBeebies bedtime story for 2024 Children In Need last month.

The legendary actor, 66, read a true story specially written for the episode by Claire Taylor and with illustrations from Tim Budgen.

The story told a tale that aimed to inspire 'warmth and encouragement and hope.'

Sharing their thoughts on X, viewers praised 'brilliant' Gary and said the story 'made them cry.'

They wrote: 'How brilliant was Gary Oldman reading the CBeebies bedtime story for Children In Need'; 'Gary Oldman reading that bedtime story on Children in Need didn't make me cry at all.'

Other added: 'Not me crying at Gary Oldman reading a bedtime story on Children In Need'; 'I b*y love Gary Oldman.'

Shirley's one off appearance comes after Gary Oldman left fans in 'tears' when he read the CBeebies bedtime story for 2024 Children In Need last month

Shirley's announcement comes after Paddy McGuinness was yet another A-lister to to read the CBeebies Bedtime Story

Speaking ahead of his appearance, Gary said: 'Stories have a unique way of inspiring imagination and hope in young minds. Hope for young people seems particularly in short supply these days.

'So I am very honoured to be reading this very special CBeebies Bedtime Story for BBC Children in Need. I hope our story brings warmth and encouragement and hope to children and families watching on the night.'

Shirley's announcement comes after Paddy McGuinness was yet another A-lister to to read the CBeebies Bedtime Story.

The comedian, 51, took a seat in the iconic yellow chair last month to read The Stompysaurus by Rachel Bright and Chris Chatterton.

The sweet children's book follows a reassuring tale about coping with overwhelming feelings and frustration.

Paddy said: 'What an honour to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story, it's magical to share a story together. I hope little ones enjoy snuggling up with their grown-ups and watching it together.

'The book I'm reading, The Stompysaurus, is all about trying to slow down and relax when you're feeling overwhelmed.

Shirley Ballas' CBeebies Bedtime Story airs on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer on Friday 13 December at 6.50pm.

The Strictly Come Dancing grand final airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 14 December from 6pm.