One bear. One boy. One golden thread of kindness. This December, Pudsey steps out of the logo and onto the screen — in a heartfelt new animated special.
“Pudsey and the Thread of Hope” weaves loss, love, and courage into one of the most moving stories of the year. Tom Fletcher’s tale brings BBC Children in Need’s beloved mascot to life — celebrating 40 years of Pudsey’s legacy with music, magic, and meaning.
✨ Pudsey Comes Alive for a New Generation
Get ready to meet Pudsey like you’ve never seen him before.
BBC Children in Need has announced that its iconic mascot will be the star of a brand-new 25-minute animation, coming to BBC One, CBeebies, and BBC iPlayer this December.
The special, “Pudsey and the Thread of Hope,” written by author and musician Tom Fletcher, tells the story of Jai, a young boy learning to navigate grief after losing his father. Guided by Pudsey, Jai embarks on a healing journey of adventure, courage, and friendship. Along the way, he discovers that every act of kindness creates a golden thread — connecting people with compassion and hope.
🧵 A Golden Thread of Connection
At the heart of the story lies a universal truth — every child needs someone to turn to.
The special isn’t just entertainment. It’s a tribute to the power of positive relationships in young people’s lives — and how BBC Children in Need helps make those connections possible.
For four decades, Pudsey has stood as a symbol of hope, and this new story reimagines that message for today’s children — a generation facing more challenges than ever.
🎨 The Magic Behind the Animation
When icons collide, magic happens.
Co-commissioned by CBeebies and BBC Children in Need, and produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family and Creative Conspiracy, this 25-minute special was designed especially for pre-schoolers and families.
Voice talent includes:
- Ashley Banjo (Diversity) as a boxing coach
- Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer) as Jai’s mum
- Nikesh Patel (Starstruck) as Jai’s dad
- Shini Muthukrishnan (Blue Peter) as a dance teacher
Audiences will get a first glimpse during the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show, airing Friday, 14 November on BBC One.
📚 From Page to Screen: The Story’s Dual Debut
Tom Fletcher’s creativity shines in both the animated special and the new paperback picture book, published by Puffin and available now.
“Everyone needs a thread of hope,” Fletcher says. “Through this story, I hope we can raise awareness and funds that help provide connection and care — when it matters most.”
Both versions celebrate 40 years of Pudsey, marking a milestone moment for BBC Children in Need’s Challenge Yourself campaign — a nationwide effort encouraging people to test their limits and make a difference.
🎁 Where To: Watch, Read, and Support
Discovery – Join the Conversation
Follow the journey on BBC Children in Need’s website and across CBeebies social channels. Use #PudseyAndTheThreadOfHope to share what hope means to you.
Acquisition – Buy or Own (UK & USA)
Grab your copy of Pudsey and the Thread of Hope (Puffin) from leading retailers including Waterstones and Amazon UK.
US readers can find it via Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.
Immersion – Experience It Live
Catch the sneak peek during the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show on Friday 14 November, and enjoy the full premiere this December on BBC One and CBeebies.
Sustainment – Stream and Share
After broadcast, stream anytime on BBC iPlayer, and explore resources for parents via CBeebies Parenting — with guides to help families discuss themes of loss, resilience, and hope.
Because every child deserves a golden thread of support.
🌈 The Heart of Pudsey’s Legacy
As Simon Antrobus, CEO of BBC Children in Need, explains:
“For 40 years, Pudsey has represented hope and resilience for children across the UK. This new animation captures the heart of that mission — ensuring children feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
By teaming up with CBeebies, the nation’s most trusted children’s brand, Pudsey’s story becomes more than a TV special. It’s a movement — reminding families that kindness, love, and connection still matter most.
In a world that feels uncertain, one bear still carries a message that never fades: kindness connects us all.
