Something Special (TV series)

Something Special is a British children's television programme presented by Justin Fletcher. It was created and produced by Allan Johnston. It is broadcast by the BBC, debuting on 1 September 2003. It is designed to introduce children to Makaton signing, and is specifically aimed at children with delayed learning and communication difficulties. It is aired on the CBeebies channel and is currently the longest running CBeebies programme and the longest running preschool series in Britain. In the past, it was also broadcast as part of the CBeebies programme strand on BBC One and BBC Two.

Something Special
GenreChildren's television series
Created byAllan Johnston
Justin Fletcher
Written byAllan Johnston
Tracey Hammett
Howard Davidson (Series 1)
David Ingham
Alan Robinson
Simon Ashdown (Series 2)
Directed byGeoff Coward
Helen Sheppard (Series 1)
Brian Little
Andy Burns
Kathryn Wolfe (Series 2)
Presented byJustin Fletcher (as himself and Mr. Tumble)
ComposerArchie Brown
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languagesEnglish
Makaton
No. of series12
No. of episodes275
Production
Executive producersYvonne Jennings (Series 1) Suzy Lamb
Vanessa Amberleigh (Series 2)
ProducersAllan Johnston
Phillip Cooper,
Anna Perowne (Series 1)
Kieran Roberts (Series 2)
Production locationDock10 studios (2011–present)
EditorsScott Price
Paul Shields
Running time
  • 15 minutes (Series 1–2)
  • 20 minutes (Series 3–12)
Production companyBBC Studios Kids & Family
Original release
NetworkCBeebies
Release1 September 2003 (2003-09-01) –
present

The name of the programme derives from the idea that all children, irrespective of their position on the learning spectrum, are special. The format of the show has evolved considerably since the original series. In 2012, a new series, "Something Special – We're All Friends" started, introducing some minor changes to the "Out and About" format. This format change has also included a change in location, and introduced the Tumble Tapp, a personalised tablet computer showing the "special things" to look for.

The earlier series of the show were taken out of re-run rotation sometime in the early 2010's; CBeebies now only airs the most recent series, currently Series 10-12.

Synopsis

It is presented by Justin Fletcher ("Justin") and features various other characters and clips of children with disabilities. Justin speaks as well as signing, and a spoken narrative is provided over the clips of children.

The other characters played by Fletcher are the Tumble Family. Mr Tumble, who is a clown, Grandad Tumble, Fisherman Tumble, Lord Tumble, Chef Tumble and Baker Tumble. Other members of the Tumble family have made appearances including two Aunts, Polly and Suki (as in the nursery rhyme "Polly Put the Kettle On") and Baby Tumble.

In Series 10, 3 animal characters were introduced to the series, Spotty the Horse, who is Mr Tumble's horse that has appeared in the episodes "Animals" and "Animal Keeper", Dennis the T-Rex, who is a dinosaur who has only appeared in the episode "Dinosaurs" (The T-Rex is also a display at Paultons Park where it was filmed) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, who appears in the episode "A Magical Christmas".

Format

Series 1 and 2 (2003–2006)
Justin showcases things in a white screen set, with the Mr Tumble sections in the middle of the episodes. Each episode has a duration of 15 minutes.
Mr Tumble shorts (2007)
From 2007, CBeebies occasionally showed short programmes consisting of the Mr Tumble sections from the various episodes, without the sections featuring Justin.
Series 3 - "Out and About" (2008)
The first "Out and About" series featured Justin wandering out of the white screen set through the magic doors and into a different location set within the UK. Each episode has a duration of 20 minutes.
Series 4-6 - "Out and About" (2010–2011)
Series 4 of the show followed the Out and About format of Series 3 and introduced a new character, Lord Tumble. The series has Mr Tumble and the other Tumble characters primarily based in "Tumble House", a large detached house located in extensive grounds close to the sea, located in Porlock, Somerset.[citation needed] The house and grounds are populated with large coloured spots, balloons and similar circular / spherical items in keeping with the spots on Mr Tumble's costume. The episodes typically feature Mr Tumble sending photographs of items he is interested in finding out about to Justin using his "Spotty Bag". Justin, with the assistance of the children with him, locates these items or activities and in return sends associated items back to Mr Tumble. There is typically a link in the theme between the actions of Mr Tumble and the other Tumble characters, and the activities Justin and the children participate in.
Series 7-12 - "We're All Friends" (2012–present)
In 2012, a new series, "Something Special – We're All Friends" started,[1] introducing some minor changes to the Out and About format. This format change included a change of location, and introduced the "Tumble Tapp", a tablet computer. Starting from Series 12, some episodes are co-presented by CBeebies presenter George Webster.

Series overview

SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1201 September 2003 (2003-09-01)25 September 2003 (2003-09-25)
2253 September 2006 (2006-09-03)27 September 2006 (2006-09-27)
31514 January 2008 (2008-01-14)1 February 2008 (2008-02-01)
4158 March 2010 (2010-03-08)26 March 2010 (2010-03-26)
52111 October 2010 (2010-10-11)24 December 2010 (2010-12-24)
62519 September 2011 (2011-09-19)11 November 2011 (2011-11-11)
72522 October 2012 (2012-10-22)14 December 2012 (2012-12-14)
82513 January 2014 (2014-01-13)14 March 2014 (2014-03-14)
92511 January 2016 (2016-01-11)12 February 2016 (2016-02-12)
102512 December 2017 (2017-12-12)8 March 2018 (2018-03-08)
11253 February 2020 (2020-02-03)14 November 2020 (2020-11-14)
122516 January 2023 (2023-01-16)2024 (2024)

Episodes

Series 1 (2003)

No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleSignsOriginal air date
11"Pets"Dog / Cat / Fish / Rabbit1 September 2003 (2003-09-01)
22"Weather"Sun / Rain / Wind / Snow2 September 2003 (2003-09-02)
33"Moving"Walking / Clapping / Running / Jumping / Swimming3 September 2003 (2003-09-03)
44"Garden"Garden / Flower / Tree / Grass4 September 2003 (2003-09-04)
55"Farm"Cow / Sheep / Pig / Duck5 September 2003 (2003-09-05)
66"Toys"Ball / Teddy / Bricks / Doll8 September 2003 (2003-09-08)
77"Clothes"Shirt / Trousers / Shoes / Dress9 September 2003 (2003-09-09)
88"School"School / Teacher / Classroom / Friends / Boy / Girl / Toilet / Sitting Down / Drinking / Eating10 September 2003 (2003-09-10)
99"Food"Juice / Biscuits / Oranges / Bread / Apples / Cake11 September 2003 (2003-09-11)
1010"Family"Mum / Dad / Brother / Family / Grandmother / Grandad12 September 2003 (2003-09-12)
1111"Transport"Car / Aeroplane / Boat / Train15 September 2003 (2003-09-15)
1212"Colours"Blue / Yellow / Green / Red16 September 2003 (2003-09-16)
1313"All About Me"Body / Hands / Feet / Mouth / Getting Dressed / Washing Hands / Eating17 September 2003 (2003-09-17)
1414"Food Part 2"Cheese / Eggs / Pizza18 September 2003 (2003-09-18)
1515"Under the Sea"Fish / Octopus / Crab / Dolphin19 September 2003 (2003-09-19)
1616"Jungle Animals"Monkey / Lion / Elephant / Snake / Crocodile22 September 2003 (2003-09-22)
1717"Where I Live"House / Door / Window / Kitchen / Sitting Room / Bedroom23 September 2003 (2003-09-23)
1818"Shops"Baker's Shop / Fruit Shop / Butcher's Shop / Sweet Shop24 September 2003 (2003-09-24)
1919"Music"Piano / Drum / Tambourine / Triangle25 September 2003 (2003-09-25)
2020"What I Like"Run / Play / Paint25 September 2003 (2003-09-25)

Series 2 (2006)

No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleSigns and SongsOriginal air date
211"Birds"Owl / Swan / Penguin / Parrot3 September 2006 (2006-09-03)
222"Meals"Cereal / Toast / Egg4 September 2006 (2006-09-04)
233"Toys 2"Toy Horse / Space Rocket / Digger5 September 2006 (2006-09-05)
244"Animals"Kangaroo / Tiger / Gorilla / Giraffe6 September 2006 (2006-09-06)
255"Nursery Rhymes and Songs 1"Hickory Dickory Dock / Incy Wincy Spider / Twinkle Twinkle Little Star / Humpty Dumpty / Dingle Dangle Scarecrow7 September 2006 (2006-09-07)
266"Mini Beasts"A Tiny Black Spider / A Tiny Pink Worm / A Tiny Brown Snail8 September 2006 (2006-09-08)
277"Birthday"Birthday Card / Birthday Cake / Birthday Present9 September 2006 (2006-09-09)
288"Under, On and In"The Bag is “Under” the Table / The Swimming Goggles are “On” the Chair / The Swimming Costume is “In” the Box10 September 2006 (2006-09-10)
299"Holiday"Sea / Sand / Bucket and Spade / Shells11 September 2006 (2006-09-11)
3010"Nursery Rhymes and Songs 2"Walking Through The Jungle / Little Peter Rabbit / The Little Green Frog / Hey Diddle Diddle / Five Little Ducks12 September 2006 (2006-09-12)
3111"Vegetables"Cauliflower / Onion / Potato13 September 2006 (2006-09-13)
3212"Seasons"Summer / Autumn / Winter / Spring14 September 2006 (2006-09-14)
3313"Shapes"Square / Triangle / Rectangle / Circle15 September 2006 (2006-09-15)
3414"Clothes"Coat / Scarf / Gloves / Hat16 September 2006 (2006-09-16)
3515"Nursery Rhymes and Songs 3"A Sailor Went To Sea / I Am the Music Man / Jack and Jill / Little Jack Horner / Little Miss Muffet / Keep on Dancing17 September 2006 (2006-09-17)
3616"Baby"Nappy / Rattle / Bottle18 September 2006 (2006-09-18)
3717"Doctor"Sore Knee / Tummy Ache / Sore Throat19 September 2006 (2006-09-19)
3818"Art"Paper / Paint / Paintbrush20 September 2006 (2006-09-20)
3919"Opposites"Go / Stop / Up / Down / In / Out21 September 2006 (2006-09-21)
4020"Nursery Rhymes and Songs 4"Once I Caught a Fish Alive / Baa Baa Black Sheep / Five Little Speckled Frogs / Five In The Bed / Five Currant Buns22 September 2006 (2006-09-22)
4121"How Do I Feel?"Happy / Sad / Excited / Cross23 September 2006 (2006-09-23)
4222"Baby Animals"Puppy / Kitten / Lamb / Kid24 September 2006 (2006-09-24)
4323"People Who Help Us"Postman / Policewoman / Nurse / Dentist25 September 2006 (2006-09-25)
4424"The Park"Seasaw / Swing / Roundabout / Slide26 September 2006 (2006-09-26)
4525"Nursery Rhymes and Songs 5"Row Row Row Your Boat / I Dig My Garden / Polly Put The Kettle On / Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush27 September 2006 (2006-09-27)

Series 3: Out and About (2008)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
461"Farm"Farmer / Hen / TractorScarecrow14 January 2008 (2008-01-14)
The scarecrow is broken and Mr. Tumble is trying to fix it. (Dundonald)
472"Wood"Signpost / Squirrel / LogPicnic15 January 2008 (2008-01-15)
Mr. Tumble is having a teddy bears picnic in the wood. (Banstead)
483"Harbour"Fishing Boat / Life Jacket / Blue FlagSeagull16 January 2008 (2008-01-16)
Mr. Tumble tries to paint a Fishing Boat or a Seagull. But they keep getting away! Luckily Grandad Tumble painted a picture for him. (Weymouth)
494"Theme Park"Carousel / Tiny Truck / Big WheelUmbrella17 January 2008 (2008-01-17)
Mr. Tumble is too scared to go on rides. But he found one and wants to go on it again! (Chessington World of Adventures)
505"Stables"White Pony / Saddle / Riding HatReins18 January 2008 (2008-01-18)
Mr. Tumble goes horse riding on a horse named Bobby. (Moy)
516"Mountain"Path / Lake / MountainStream21 January 2008 (2008-01-21)
Mr. Tumble's toy duck wants to go swimming in the mountains. (Snowdon)
527"Vet"Vet / Medicine / TortoiseThermometer22 January 2008 (2008-01-22)
Polar Bear and Zebra are feeling poorly and Mr. Tumble is making them better. (Wokingham)
538"High Street"Post Box / Hairdressers / FloristLibrary23 January 2008 (2008-01-23)
Mr. Tumble is at the library looking for his favourite book. (Enniskillen)
549"Beach"Rock Pool / Seaweed / Ice CreamTowel24 January 2008 (2008-01-24)
Mr. Tumble is making a picture in the sand. But what is it? (Bowleaze Cove)
5510"School"Wheelchair / Computer / PlaygroundMusic Room25 January 2008 (2008-01-25)
Mr. Tumble is teaching the class about music but none of his musical instruments are working. (Lindon Bennett School, Hanworth)
5611"Railway"Ticket Office / Train Driver / FlagPlatform28 January 2008 (2008-01-28)
Mr. Tumble was so busy tidying the platform he didn't realise that his watch had stopped and now the train is coming to the station! (Corfe Castle)
5712"Market"Bread Rolls / Cheese / Pink PlantMirror29 January 2008 (2008-01-29)
Mr. Tumble is selling everything in his stall. (St. George's Market)
5813"Football"Footballer / Football Boots / GoalGoal Keeper30 January 2008 (2008-01-30)
Mr. Tumble and Grandad Tumble play football in the garden. (Craven Cottage)
5914"Camping"Tent / Water Tap / BarbecueSleeping Bag31 January 2008 (2008-01-31)
Mr. Tumble tries to put up his tent and tires to have a rest in his sleeping bag. (New Forest)
6015"Castle"Princess / Prince / ThroneQueen1 February 2008 (2008-02-01)
Mr. Tumble is dressing up as King Tumble. (Carrickfergus)

Series 4: Out and About (2010)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
611"Airport"Helicopter / Fire Engine / PilotKite8 March 2010 (2010-03-08)
Mr Tumble wants to try and fly with a little help of Grandad Tumble and Lord Tumble.
622"City"Double-Decker Bus / Shops / FountainBus Stop9 March 2010 (2010-03-09)
Mr Tumble is going to the city, but he missed the bus. So Mr Tumble goes to the city on a bike with Aunt Polly instead.
633"Garden Centre"Wheelbarrow / Yellow Plant / Plant PotDigger10 March 2010 (2010-03-10)
Mr Tumble looks for a hole to plant his flower.
644"By The Sea"Chair Lift / Lighthouse / GameChocolate11 March 2010 (2010-03-11)
Mr Tumble is a pirate looking for his treasure.
655"Hospital"Nurse / Pyjamas / ToastGrapes12 March 2010 (2010-03-12)
Mr Tumble visits Grandad Tumble in hospital.
666"Houseboat"Suitcase / Windmill / DuckScooter15 March 2010 (2010-03-15)
Mr Tumble tries to find a good place to put up his tent.
677"Leisure Centre"Swimming Pool / Float / Bouncy CastleEgg Cup16 March 2010 (2010-03-16)
Mr Tumble takes part in a Sports day, but he fails every single event. But is given an egg cup for taking part.
688"Animal Park"Snake / Fruit and Vegetables / OwlTiger17 March 2010 (2010-03-17)
Mr Tumble is looking for his animal.
699"Playdate"Sitting Room / Stairs / KitchenCousin18 March 2010 (2010-03-18)
Mr Tumble's cousin, Cool Tumble comes to visit and they play musical bumps, build dens and play Hide-and-seek.
7010"Animal Rescue"Spotty Dog / Rabbit / Ginger CatPaddling Pool19 March 2010 (2010-03-19)
Mr Tumble looks after Aunt Suki's dog.
7111"Bike Ride"Bike / Stream / BenchCycle Helmet22 March 2010 (2010-03-22)
Mr Tumble is pretending to be a postman, so he uses a bicycle to deliver parcels to Lord Tumble, Aunt Polly and Grandad Tumble.
7212"Creative Walk"Sheep / Pig / DonkeyPeacock23 March 2010 (2010-03-23)
Mr Tumble paints a picture of a peacock.
7313"Supermarket"Shopping Trolley / Pineapple / BowlsToilet Roll24 March 2010 (2010-03-24)
Mr Tumble brings his shopping home with help from Lord Tumble. But Lord Tumble puts everything in the wrong place.
7414"Butterfly"Caterpillar / Red Flower / CaféVideo Camera25 March 2010 (2010-03-25)
Mr Tumble tries to film a butterfly with his new video camera, but it keeps flying away.
7515"Drive"School Bus / Car Wash / PlaygroundBubbles26 March 2010 (2010-03-26)
Mr Tumble cleans his car using bubbles from Grandad Tumble's bath.

Series 5: Out and About (2010)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
761"Nature Trail"Pond / Tree Branch / MeadowLunch11 October 2010 (2010-10-11)
Mr Tumble goes fishing with Big Teddy.
772"Play"Water Play / Sandpit / ParachutePlay12 October 2010 (2010-10-12)
Mr Tumble is playing some games with Grandad Tumble and Lord Tumble.
783"Sport"Trampoline / Ramp / Ice RinkSports Clothes13 October 2010 (2010-10-13)
Aunt Polly, Lord Tumble and Grandad Tumble show Mr Tumble how to do some exercises.
794"Island"Island / Grey Seal / PostcardsFisherman14 October 2010 (2010-10-14)
Mr Tumble is visiting his friend Fisherman Tumble and helping him get ready to go out on his fishing boat. But the tide has gone out. So they pretended to catch fish instead.
805"Festival"Breakfast / Face Painting / BandGuitar15 October 2010 (2010-10-15)
Grandad Tumble puts on a concert for Mr Tumble and the toys!
816"London"Bridge / Statue / Big WheelPalace18 October 2010 (2010-10-18)
Mr Tumble has lots of fun at home with his London book.
827"Art"Feet / Sponge / Toy CarRainbow19 October 2010 (2010-10-19)
Mr Tumble paints a rainbow on Grandad Tumble's shed as a surprise. But Mr Tumble is missing some paint.
838"Baby"High Chair / Baby Bath / BuggyBaby20 October 2010 (2010-10-20)
Mr Tumble gets ready for a very special baby visitor of his own.
849"Village Fete"Coconut / Cake Stall / Toy DuckHorse21 October 2010 (2010-10-21)
Mr Tumble holds his own Village Fete for the toys!
8510"Big Animals"Giraffe / Hippopotamus / ElephantHamster22 October 2010 (2010-10-22)
Mr Tumble is cleaning out Harry the Hamster's cage. But who is looking after Harry?
8611"Music"Guitar / Drum Kit / MicrophonePopstar25 October 2010 (2010-10-25)
Mr Tumble wants to be a popstar after watching his favourite singer Cliff Tumble on TV.
8712"Strawberry Picking"Strawberry Field / Scales / Strawberry JamFruit26 October 2010 (2010-10-26)
Mr Tumble is very hungry and goes looking for fruit in the garden.
8813"Cooking"Knife / Cherries / TeacherSalad27 October 2010 (2010-10-27)
Mr Tumble is making something very special for Grandad Tumble's lunch.
8914"Sleepover"Bedroom / Sausages / Warm DrinkQuiet28 October 2010 (2010-10-28)
Mr Tumble is having a sleepover of his own in his garden.
9015"Routines"Bread Roll / Laptop / Cricket BatToothbrush29 October 2010 (2010-10-29)
Mr Tumble shows us what he does before he goes to bed.
9116"Birthday Party"Parcel / Party Food / CDBirthday Party22 November 2010 (2010-11-22)
All the Tumbles are doing a surprise party for Lord Tumble.
9217"Shopping"Saree / Jewellery / SweetsGlasses23 November 2010 (2010-11-23)
Mr Tumble is doing his washing and needs to find some spare clothes to wear.
9318"Café"Menu / Waitress / PurseChef24 November 2010 (2010-11-24)
Mr Tumble opens his new Café and we are introduced to the all new Chef Tumble!
9419"Forest Art"Leaf / Twig / FeatherBear25 November 2010 (2010-11-25)
Mr Tumble is in his forest looking for animals from inside his den!
9520"Park"Slide / Maze / Dragon BoatSailboat26 November 2010 (2010-11-26)
Mr Tumble is trying to find a boat of his own to go on a sea adventure.
9621"Christmas"Christmas Tree / Christmas Presents / Christmas Choir-24 December 2010 (2010-12-24)
It's Christmas and Mr Tumble, Lord Tumble and Grandad Tumble are decorating the Tumble house. Meanwhile, Justin and his friends haven't got any Christmas presents, but Mr Tumble and Father Christmas brought them back just in time.

Series 6: Out and About (2011)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
971"Baking"Rolling Pin / Pastry Cutter / RaisinsCake19 September 2011 (2011-09-19)
Mr Tumble bakes some delicious cakes and Chef Tumble wants to have a cooking competition with him.
982"Music"Musical Instruments / Dressing Gown / BedWinner20 September 2011 (2011-09-20)
Mr Tumble has made a stage and is organising a singing competition between Aunt Polly and Grandad Tumble.
993"Shop for School"Shoe Shop / Pencil Case / LiftSkateboard21 September 2011 (2011-09-21)
Mr Tumble goes cycling but crashes his pushbike.
1004"Sensory Garden"Xylophone / Blossom / Blue FlowerBlack Hat22 September 2011 (2011-09-22)
Mr Tumble plays a looking game called I Spy.
1015"Space"Spacesuit / Rocket / MoonSpaceman23 September 2011 (2011-09-23)
Mr Tumble wants to get to the moon, but he needs a rocket and a spacesuit.
1026"Snow"Warm Coat / Snow / SledgeSnowflake26 September 2011 (2011-09-26)
Mr Tumble wants to play in the snow but it's not snowing outside. Maybe Lord Tumble can help with a bit of magic.
1037"Scouts"Beaver Scout / Experiment Badge / ScarfWarm Fire27 September 2011 (2011-09-27)
Scout Tumble has come to stay.
1048"Pet Shop"Pet Shop / Guinea Pigs / Guinea Pig FoodBone28 September 2011 (2011-09-28)
Aunt Polly looks after a dog named Chip while Mr Tumble is off to the shops to buy a bone for him.
1059"Rainy Day"Dressing-Up Box / Pretend Shop / PuddlePaddling Pool29 September 2011 (2011-09-29)
Mr Tumble wants to play in his paddling pool, but it's raining outside, so he decides to play a dressing-up game indoors instead.
10610"Allotment"Compost / Seeds / Pea PodsPrawn30 September 2011 (2011-09-30)
Mr Tumble has grown so many vegetables that he decides to go to the harbour to sell them.
10711"Friends"Friend / Bowling Alley / Mini GolfBest Friends3 October 2011 (2011-10-03)
Mr Tumble is playing with his friend Lord Tumble. But Mr Tumble doesn't like losing and is very rude to Lord Tumble.
10812"Doctor"Waiting Room / Stethoscope / Doctor's BagHot Water Bottle4 October 2011 (2011-10-04)
Aunt Polly and Grandad Tumble are feeling poorly.
10913"Rugby"Rugby Kit / Rugby Ball / Rugby PostsBall Pool5 October 2011 (2011-10-05)
Mr Tumble is looking for Grandad Tumble's old rugby ball.
11014"Weekend"Mummy / Daddy / Grandma and GrandadHungry6 October 2011 (2011-10-06)
All the Tumbles are getting together for Lord Tumble's lunch.
11115"Outside"Samba Drum / Headdress / DancersFairy7 October 2011 (2011-10-07)
Lord Tumble is having a fancy dress party and all the Tumbles have been invited.
11216"Pony Trekking"Gate / Wild Pony / Spotty RugHorseriding31 October 2011 (2011-10-31)
Mr Tumble wants to go out for a ride on a horse but Lord Tumble and Grandad Tumble have other ideas.
11317"Getting Arty"T-Shirt / Bracelet / AudienceSmile, please1 November 2011 (2011-11-01)
Mr Tumble is taking photographs of Aunt Polly and Grandad Tumble.
11418"Wildlife"Red Squirrel / Deer / HedgehogGoose2 November 2011 (2011-11-02)
Mr Tumble tries to find a big bird in the garden.
11519"Trip Away"Pier / Giant Turtle / TrainCaravan3 November 2011 (2011-11-03)
Mr Tumble is busy getting ready for his holiday.
11620"Zookeeper"Rhino / Chimpanzee / Sea LionWarm Blanket4 November 2011 (2011-11-04)
Mr Tumble finds out what it's like to be an animal.
11721"Cars"Old Car / Motorbike / Double-Decker BusCool Car7 November 2011 (2011-11-07)
Mr Tumble decides that his car needs a makeover.
11822"Baby Animals"1 Lamb / 2 Chicks / 3 PigletsCounting8 November 2011 (2011-11-08)
Mr Tumble runs a baker's shop with five current buns.
11923"Yurts"Family / Hen / CampfireShare9 November 2011 (2011-11-09)
Mr Tumble is poorly and Aunt Polly is looking after him.
12024"Adventure"Climbing Wall / Horse and Carriage / KayakStrong10 November 2011 (2011-11-10)
Mr Tumble is warming up for a competition to find the strongest Tumble.
12125"Theme Park"Height Chart / Swing Ride / RollercoasterPirate Boat11 November 2011 (2011-11-11)
Mr. Tumble wants to ride a boat. Luckily Fisherman Tumble knows just the place. (Paultons Park)

Mr Tumble's Special Day Out (2012)

No.Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
122"Mr Tumble's Special Day Out"--11 February 2012 (2012-02-11)

Series 7: We're All Friends (2012)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsOriginal air date
1231"Motor Home"Grandma and Grandad / Motor Home / Campsite22 October 2012 (2012-10-22)
1242"Concert"Singer / Choir / Stage23 October 2012 (2012-10-23)
1253"Art"Picture / Paint / Frame24 October 2012 (2012-10-24)
1264"Police"Police Officer / Police Dog / Police Car25 October 2012 (2012-10-25)
1275"Donkey"Donkey / Carrots / Stable26 October 2012 (2012-10-26)
1286"Gymnastics"Rings / Trampoline / Obstacle Course29 October 2012 (2012-10-29)
1297"Chadani's Day"Special Clothes / Fruit and Nuts / Chapati30 October 2012 (2012-10-30)
1308"Cheerleaders"Pom-Poms / School Mascot / Teams31 October 2012 (2012-10-31)
1319"Monkey"Monkey / Banana / Playground1 November 2012 (2012-11-01)
13210"Waterpark"Waves / Water Slide / Fish and Chips2 November 2012 (2012-11-02)
13311"Circus"Stilts / Tight Wire / Harness5 November 2012 (2012-11-05)
13412"Ferry"Ferry / Camera / Tumble Tap6 November 2012 (2012-11-06)
13513"Fishing"Fish / Fishing Rod / Picnic7 November 2012 (2012-11-07)
13614"Chocolate"Chocolate / Lollipop / Gift8 November 2012 (2012-11-08)
13715"Football"Stadium / Football Shirt / Footballer9 November 2012 (2012-11-09)
13816"Narrowboat"Narrowboat / Canal / Lock3 December 2012 (2012-12-03)
13917"Ice Cream"Milk / Ice Cream / Ice Cream Cone4 December 2012 (2012-12-04)
14018"My Pets"Rabbit / Dog / Gerbil5 December 2012 (2012-12-05)
14119"Lifeboat"Pebbles / Lifeboat / Life Jacket6 December 2012 (2012-12-06)
14220"Castle"Castle / Crown / Throne7 December 2012 (2012-12-07)
14321"Birds"Butterfly / Bird / Wings10 December 2012 (2012-12-10)
14422"Outdoors"Canoe / Hot Chocolate / Zip Wire11 December 2012 (2012-12-11)
14523"Pottery"Clay / Bowl / Plate12 December 2012 (2012-12-12)
14624"Cycling"Wheels / Flag / Medal13 December 2012 (2012-12-13)
14725"Ceilidh"Shortbread Biscuits / Ceilidh Band / Dance Floor14 December 2012 (2012-12-14)

Series 8: We're All Friends (2014)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
1481"Pig Washing"Pig / Water Tap / PigstyFriends13 January 2014 (2014-01-13)
1492"Snow Tubing"Gloves / Ski Lift / Ski SlopeFriends14 January 2014 (2014-01-14)
1503"Fire Station"Fire Engine / Fire Fighter / HoseFriends15 January 2014 (2014-01-15)
1514"Dance"Dancer / Piano / TicketsFriends16 January 2014 (2014-01-16)
1525"Boat Trip"Boat / Bridge / Steering WheelFriends17 January 2014 (2014-01-17)
1536"Horse Riding by the Sea"Horse / Riding Hat / BeachFriends20 January 2014 (2014-01-20)
1547"Post Office"Coloured Paper / Paint / Post OfficeFriends21 January 2014 (2014-01-21)
1558"Train"Railway Station / Train / Ticket InspectorFriends22 January 2014 (2014-01-22)
1569"Camping"Tent / Kite / Picnic BasketFriends23 January 2014 (2014-01-23)
15710"Wildlife Park"Baboon / Giraffe / LemurFriends24 January 2014 (2014-01-24)
15811"Seven Stories"Book / Tiger / ChairFriends27 January 2014 (2014-01-27)
15912"Sport"Running Track / Sand / JavelinFriends28 January 2014 (2014-01-28)
16013"Hats"Hat / Policeman's Hat / FeathersFriends29 January 2014 (2014-01-29)
16114"Dog Walking"Brush / Dog Bowl / DuckFriends30 January 2014 (2014-01-30)
16215"Adventure Playground"Playground / Slide / SwingFriends31 January 2014 (2014-01-31)
16316"Aquarium"Crab / Fish / OctopusFriends3 March 2014 (2014-03-03)
16417"Cafe"Cafe / Menu / WaiterFriends4 March 2014 (2014-03-04)
16518"Music"Musical Instruments / Animals / DrumFriends5 March 2014 (2014-03-05)
16619"Fruit and Veg Picking"Potatoes / Raspberries / Weighing ScalesFriends6 March 2014 (2014-03-06)
16720"Farm"Sheep / Cow / ChickenFriends7 March 2014 (2014-03-07)
16821"Planetarium"Planet Earth / Rocket / StickersFriends10 March 2014 (2014-03-10)
16922"Beach"Sea / Ball / SandcastleFriends11 March 2014 (2014-03-11)
17023"Shopping"Bus / Shopping Basket / Ice CreamFriends12 March 2014 (2014-03-12)
17124"Cookery"Apron / Rolling Pin / CheeseFriends13 March 2014 (2014-03-13)
17225"Wetlands Centre"Magnifying Glass / Tree / BirdFriends14 March 2014 (2014-03-14)

Series 9: We're All Friends (2016)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
1731"Party"Decorations / Guests / Birthday PresentBirthday11 January 2016 (2016-01-11)
1742"Counting"Tortoise / Tapir / PenguinCounting12 January 2016 (2016-01-12)
1753"Wet and Dry"Water / Sand / Sensory GardenWet13 January 2016 (2016-01-13)
1764"Imagination"Pirate Ship / Flag / TreasureDoctor14 January 2016 (2016-01-14)
1775"Bedtime"Sensory Room / Star / StoryBedtime15 January 2016 (2016-01-15)
1786"Growing"Plant Pot / Vegetables / ScarecrowGrow18 January 2016 (2016-01-18)
1797"Family"Daddy / Sister / MummyFamily19 January 2016 (2016-01-19)
1808"In and Out"Cotton Wool / Garden / WheelHide-and-Seek20 January 2016 (2016-01-20)
1819"Colours"Paint / Dressing Room / AudienceRainbow21 January 2016 (2016-01-21)
18210"Breakfast"Chicken / Egg / Scrambled EggBreakfast22 January 2016 (2016-01-22)
18311"Animals"Pony / Wellies / JumpHorse25 January 2016 (2016-01-25)
18412"Adventure"Binoculars / Climbing Wall / SledgeBoat26 January 2016 (2016-01-26)
18513"Up and Down"Cliff Lift / Waves / BucketUp and Down27 January 2016 (2016-01-27)
18614"Happy"Dressing-up Box / Ukulele / FriendsHappy28 January 2016 (2016-01-28)
18715"Lunchtime"Sandwich / Fruit / Picnic BlanketLunchtime29 January 2016 (2016-01-29)
18816"Vehicles"Tractor / Boat / Steering WheelSurprise1 February 2016 (2016-02-01)
18917"Weather"Classroom / Window / ParkWeather2 February 2016 (2016-02-02)
19018"Quiet and Loud"Dance Teacher / Tap Shoes / Ballet ShoesQuiet3 February 2016 (2016-02-03)
19119"Recycling"Recycling Box / Musical Shaker / BandTidy4 February 2016 (2016-02-04)
19220"Teatime"Restaurant / Spices / Knife and ForkTeatime5 February 2016 (2016-02-05)
19321"Summer"Pier / Beach Bag / KiteArmbands8 February 2016 (2016-02-08)
19422"Hobbies"Football / Powerchair / WhistleHobby9 February 2016 (2016-02-09)
19523"Big and Small"Model Village / Toy People / MouseBig and Small10 February 2016 (2016-02-10)
19624"Pets"Dog / Loch / CaféPet11 February 2016 (2016-02-11)
19725"Friends"Mixing Bowl / Cake Case / StallBest Friend12 February 2016 (2016-02-12)

Series 10: We're All Friends (2017-2018)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
198-"A Magical Christmas"Elf / Present / Father ChristmasMerry Christmas12 December 2017 (2017-12-12)
1991"Great Outdoors"Den / Owl / CampfireTent22 January 2018 (2018-01-22)
2002"Winter"Gloves / Ice Skates / Ice RinkDen24 January 2018 (2018-01-24)
2013"My School"Classroom / Dog / PizzaTeacher24 January 2018 (2018-01-24)
2024"Radio Star"Recording Studio / Microphone / HeadphonesRadio25 January 2018 (2018-01-25)
2035"In the Mood for Dancing"Wheelchair / Costume / BallroomDance Partner26 January 2018 (2018-01-26)
2046"Animal Keeper"Animal Keeper / Meerkat / PigJump29 January 2018 (2018-01-29)
2057"Star Chart"Dance Shoes / Dance Teacher / TambourineStar Chart30 January 2018 (2018-01-30)
2068"Hairdressers"Hairdresser / Hairbrush / MirrorHair31 January 2018 (2018-01-31)
2079"Monkeying Around"Market Stall / Monkey / LemurHide-and-Seek1 February 2018 (2018-02-01)
20810"Dinosaurs"Dinosaur / Safari Hat / FossilPresent2 February 2018 (2018-02-02)
20911"Library"Library / Library Card / CaféBook19 February 2018 (2018-02-19)
21012"Fairies"Fairy / Magic Wand / BubblesFairycake20 February 2018 (2018-02-20)
21113"Dentist"Dentist / Teeth / StickerToothpaste21 February 2018 (2018-02-21)
21214"Spring"Lamb / Chick / GoatSpring22 February 2018 (2018-02-22)
21315"Theatre"Theatre / Stage / Ice CreamMagic Show23 February 2018 (2018-02-23)
21416"Superheroes"Superhero / Cape / TowerSuperpowers26 February 2018 (2018-02-26)
21517"Summer"Sunhat / Water Toy / FishRose27 February 2018 (2018-02-27)
21618"New Shoes"Shoe Shop / Foot / ShoesShop28 February 2018 (2018-02-28)
21719"Pairs"Twins / Playing Cards / Signing ChoirBreakfast1 March 2018 (2018-03-01)
21820"Getting Sporty"Boogie Board / Wet Suit / SeaTrophy2 March 2018 (2018-03-02)
21921"Autumn"Sensory Room / Leaf / Bird FeederAutumn5 March 2018 (2018-03-05)
22022"Music Stars"Piano / Drum Kit / FansTalent6 March 2018 (2018-03-06)
22123"Vets"Waiting Room / Vet / CollarAnimal7 March 2018 (2018-03-07)
22224"Imaginary Journey"Platform / Whistle / TicketAlien8 March 2018 (2018-03-08)

Something Special at the Proms (2018)

No.Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
223"Something Special at the Proms"Royal Albert Hall / Ticket / Orchestra-8 September 2018 (2018-09-08)

Series 11: We're All Friends (2020)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
2241"Basketball"Basketball Player / Basketball / Basketball HoopBouncy Ball3 February 2020 (2020-02-03)
2252"On the River"Buoyancy Aid / Paddle / Bell BoatDuck4 February 2020 (2020-02-04)
2263"Golf"Rocket / Golf Club / FlagHole-in-One5 February 2020 (2020-02-05)
2274"Down on the Farm"Chicken / Egg / PaintWorm6 February 2020 (2020-02-06)
2285"Theme Park Adventure"Face Painter / Maze / RollercoasterBedtime7 February 2020 (2020-02-07)
2296"Dragon School"Dragon / Spoon / ParadePhotograph10 February 2020 (2020-02-10)
2307"Flying Fun"Feather / Glove / HawkAeroplane11 February 2020 (2020-02-11)
2318"Fairytale"Tower / Musician / StorybookPumpkin12 February 2020 (2020-02-12)
2329"Beach, Boats and Birds"Island / Captain / BirdBeach13 February 2020 (2020-02-13)
23310"Animal Antics"Animal Handler / Snake / SockFrog14 February 2020 (2020-02-14)
23411"Day Trip"Horse / Canal Boat / RudderCar17 February 2020 (2020-02-17)
23512"Woof!"Dog / Shampoo / Dog TreatWagging Tail18 February 2020 (2020-02-18)
23613"Fruity Fun"Basket / Scales / JamStrawberry19 February 2020 (2020-02-19)
23714"Under the Sea"Starfish / Diver / Shark TankBubbles20 February 2020 (2020-02-20)
23815"Farmyard Fun"Farmer / Alpaca / LeadFarm21 February 2020 (2020-02-21)
23916"Magic Castle"Wizard / Magic Wand / BroomstickMagic Trick16 March 2020 (2020-03-16)
24017"Let's Pretend"Chef's Hat / Pizza Restaurant / IngredientsJumper17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
24118"Splish Splash Splosh"Lifeguard / Waves / Water SlideRain18 March 2020 (2020-03-18)
24219"Treasure Hunt"Map / Watering Can / PrizeCake19 March 2020 (2020-03-19)
24320"Back in Time"Costume / Shop / BakeryClock20 March 2020 (2020-03-20)
24421"Paints and Pottery"Apron / Teapot / FingerprintArtist23 March 2020 (2020-03-23)
24522"Boating Fun"Marina / Toy Boat / PedaloFlamingo24 March 2020 (2020-03-24)
24623"Disco Party"Music Room / DJ / Swimming PoolDisco25 March 2020 (2020-03-25)
24724"Football Skills"Football Kit / Football / GoalTeam3 October 2020 (2020-10-03)
24825"Happy Diwali!"Kitchen / Knife and Fork / FamilyDiwali14 November 2020 (2020-11-14)

Easter Special (2022)

No.Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
249"Mr Tumble's Busy Bus Day"--15 April 2022 (2022-04-15)

Christmas Special (2022)

No.Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
250"Merry Christmas!"Star / Christmas Tree / DonkeyMerry Christmas8 December 2022 (2022-12-08)

Series 12: We're All Friends (2023-2024)

No.
overall
No. in
series
Title3 Special ThingsTumble SignOriginal air date
2511[2]"Cinema"Ticket / Popcorn / SeatsActor16 January 2023 (2023-01-16)
2522"Eye Test"Eye / Eye Test / GlassesNew17 January 2023 (2023-01-17)
2533"Trampolining"Socks / Trampoline / SlideBounce18 January 2023 (2023-01-18)
2544"Outdoor Adventure"Trees / Climb / RideNervous19 January 2023 (2023-01-19)
2555"A Big Concert!"Room / Musical Instruments / Invitation-20 January 2023 (2023-01-20)
2566"The Zoo"Lemur / Binoculars / ElephantPlaytime23 January 2023 (2023-01-23)
2577"Beach Day"Nana / Bucket and Spade / SandcastleBeach24 January 2023 (2023-01-24)
2588"Stories"Books / Key / Treasure ChestSleep25 January 2023 (2023-01-25)
2599"George's Cafe"Cafe / Menu / NapkinCake26 January 2023 (2023-01-26)
26010"Alpacas"Alpaca / Apple / FieldSit27 January 2023 (2023-01-27)
26111"A Day in the Woods"Forest / Sticks / BugsRabbit30 January 2023 (2023-01-30)
26212"Aeroplanes"Aeroplane / Suitcase / PilotHotel20 February 2023 (2023-02-20)
26313"Pancake Making"Flour / Whisk / FruitFrying Pan21 February 2023 (2023-02-21)
26414"Ice Cream Farm"Cow / Milk / Ice CreamWater22 February 2023 (2023-02-22)
26515"Let's Go Camping"Rucksack / Game / CampfireTent23 February 2023 (2023-02-23)
26616"Putting on a Play"Stage / Costumes / AudienceTheatre24 February 2023 (2023-02-24)
26717"Bubble Fun"Bubbles / Bubble Wand / PartyBath27 February 2023 (2023-02-27)
26818"Outdoor Games"Bicycle / Helmet / FlagRace28 February 2023 (2023-02-28)
26919"Shooting Stars"Rocket / Spacesuit / PlanetariumShooting Star1 March 2023 (2023-03-01)
27020"Growing Vegetables"Seeds / Vegetables / Broad BeansCarrot2 March 2023 (2023-03-02)
27121"Bowling"Bowling Alley / Tablet / Bowling PinsShiny3 March 2023 (2023-03-03)
27222"Fishing"Fish / Wellies / IslandFishing Rod6 March 2023 (2023-03-06)
27323"Summer Party"Greenhouse / Tablecloth / PeopleGarden7 March 2023 (2023-03-07)
27424TBATBATBA2024 (2024)
27525"Eid Mubarak!"Clothes / Wash / FeastEid21 April 2023 (2023-04-21)

Theatre show

In 2015, a theatrical production called The Tale of Mr Tumble was performed. Starring Justin Fletcher as Mr Tumble and Ronni Ancona as The Unsmiling Principle, the show sees the Mr Tumble character as a baby and as a young boy, and follows him throughout his early life.[3] A filmed version of The Tale of Mr Tumble aired on CBeebies in March 2016.

Awards

Royal Television Society Educational Television Awards 2004
Awarded Best Early Years Programme (for the episode Garden)[4]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2005
Awarded Best Pre-school Live Action Series[5]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2007
Nominated for Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[6]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2008
Awarded Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[7]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2009
Nominated Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[8]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2010
Awarded Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[9]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2011
Nominated Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[10]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2012
Awarded Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[11]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2013
Nominated Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[12]
BAFTA Children's Awards 2018
Awarded Best Presenter (Justin Fletcher)[13]

References

  1. ^ "BBC Media Centre – Programme Information – Something Special – We're all Friends". BBC. Retrieved 13 February 2010.
  2. ^ "Cinema - Something Special (Series 13, Episode 1) - Apple TV (UK)". Apple TV. 16 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  3. ^ "The Tale of Mr Tumble". TheGuardian.com. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  4. ^ "Royal Television Society – Educational Television Awards 2004". Royal Television Society. Retrieved 17 March 2010.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2005". BAFTA. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  6. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2007". BAFTA. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  7. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2008". BAFTA. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  8. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2009". BAFTA. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  9. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2010". BAFTA. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  10. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2011". BAFTA. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  11. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2012". BAFTA. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  12. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2013". BAFTA. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  13. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2018". BAFTA. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2021.