Suddenly Found Yourself In Desperate Need Of Something Calming? Olivia Colman Might Have The Answer

The Paddington In Peru star is here just when we most need her.
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Olivia Colman at the premiere of Paddington In Peru
via Associated Press

If certain news events have left you in desperate need of something calming, we think we might have something of interest to you.

On Wednesday morning, it was revealed that Oscar winner Olivia Colman is the latest star to take the lead in one of CBeebies’ Bedtime Stories.

Now, we know what you’re thinking, and yes, CBeebies is, of course, primarily aimed at a pre-school audience.

But its daily bedtime stories frequently include A-list celebrities that draw in a host of audiences of all ages, including Harry Styles, Tom Hardy, Billie Eilish, Dolly Parton, Anthony Joshua and even Kate Middleton.

On Friday, the Paddington In Peru star will be reading out Julia Donaldson The Gruffalo’s Child – and given just how many of us are going to be in need of some cosy escapism this week, we reckon it won’t just be CBeebies’ regular audience of under-sixes tuning in.

“I have loved CBeebies Bedtime Stories with my children over the years, I was so excited to be able to read one,” Olivia enthused. “I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.”

CBeebies Bedtime Stories editor Claire Taylor told GQ in July that the “element of surprise” is what helps make the celebrity specials such a success, pointing out: “We play to a dual audience, to parents and children.”

So there you have it – no shame if you find yourself watching Olivia on repeat when you feel you most need it…

Olivia Colman’s Bedtime Story will air at 6.50pm on CBeebies, and will subsequently be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.