Move Over Tom Hardy, There’s A New CBeebies Hottie In Town

Alison Bough

Children’s telly is getting all the A-list action these days. Straight off the back of Tom Hardy reading us a bedtime story (swoon), the BBC announced today that top Irish actor Andrew Scott will voice a character in a new animated preschool series for CBeebies.

The Sherlock actor is swapping his evil Moriarty character for something a lot cuter. Dublin-native Andrew will join fellow actors Kathy Burke and Sarah Lancashire who are lending their vocal talents to School Of Roars, a new animated series about five little monsters as they experience school for the very first time. Bless.

The series, scheduled to air on the 6th of February on the popular children’s channel, follows five mini monsters through their school day as they learn monstery lessons in maths, music, cookery and life. The class is taught by the loveable Miss Grizzlesniff, voiced by the ever-popular Kathy Burke, while the versatile Sarah Lancashire plays Mrs Twirlyhorn, the school’s headmonstress.

Kathy Burke says she was ‘born’ to play the part:

“My character Miss Grizzlesniff is a monster-mazing teacher and very beautiful. She loves her class because every little monster is unique. I was born to play Miss Grizzlesniff. I’ve got lots of friends that are little humans who are very excited about me being in School Of Roars.”

Andrew Scott, fresh from his much-anticipated Sherlock finale, narrates the new series, as well as voicing other characters including cookery teacher Mr Marrow. It seems the actor is staying in character for the role:

“I think the little people in my life are gonna love it. It has so much charm and heart, and I’m very prrrroud to be involved.”

The animation will be supported by strong interactive elements including games apps, story apps, and a website. CBeebies’ controller Kay Benbow commented:

“We’re sure our youngest viewers will be enchanted by the friendly school-based adventures, the bright design and the quirky humour, whilst parents may be surprised by the hugely talented stellar supporting cast.”

It certainly is an impressive cast; it appears that children’s television is the new Shakespeare for serious actors. Now, when is Tom Hardy coming back to read us another bedtime story?

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