Justin Fletcher welcomes new friends to Something Special
Justin Fletcher will present the 14th series of much-loved CBeebies show Something Special along with some new friends
- Published
Did you watch Something Special when you were little? Mr Tumble fans are in for a treat as a new series of the long-running show launches next week with some exciting changes.
In the new series, Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher are welcoming three new friends.
Maddie Moate and Ben Cajee, and special guest George Webster, will be joining the presenter line-up.
It's a big change for the series, which has been on TV for more than 20 years - and that's not the only new thing happening in 2025.
Ben Cajee, George Webster and Maddie Moate are familiar faces on CBeebies and will be joining Justin Fletcher and Mr Tumble in the Something Special presenter line-up
What's new for 2025?
At the start of every episode, fans of the show enjoy seeing Mr Tumble send his famous Spotty Bag to Justin, who has presented the series since 2003.
This year Justin will take turns with two new presenters who he's welcoming into the Something Special family: Ben and Maddie.
Justin will also be regularly joined by George Webster, who has been a guest on the series before.
The presenters take the Spotty Bag to meet some children and together they uncover Mr Tumble's special clues, learn new Makaton signs, and explore, play and have fun together.
The clues lead to a Spotty Surprise, where - thanks to the Spotty Bag's magic - the children are transported to meet Mr Tumble and join in with a themed activity.
It's the first time in the show's history that the featured children will meet Mr Tumble in person.
The series uses the Makaton language program
What's so special about Something Special?
Something Special is designed to be enjoyed by all children but is particularly aimed at people with additional needs.
It uses the Makaton language program of signs, speech and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills.
The show features children with additional needs and disabilities who are seen out and about, exploring, playing and having fun together, and communicating using Makaton.
CBeebies say "we believe that it's important for children with a disability to see themselves positively represented on the channel".
George Webster took to social media to announce his new role.
'A huge honour and a privilege'
All three new presenters have been sharing their excitement on social media.
George Webster called appearing on the show "a huge honour and a privilege", and said his co-host Justin Fletcher was his "childhood hero".
Presenting the series is particularly special for George, who shared that he communicated using Makaton as a child.
Speaking about the children who he filmed with for the show, George said: "I want to prove that everyone has a unique glow inside of them."
Maddie Moate shared snaps from her time filming the series.
She said: "The amount of love and care that goes into making and filming the most joyous experience for the children is inspiring!"
Ben Cajee shared this photo with Mr Tumble on social media
Ben Cajee added that the series would launch on his birthday, and compared presenting it to his childhood dreams of batting for England or playing for his team West Ham.