Live webchat with Justin Fletcher, Friday 17th December 12 - 1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

We're very happy that Justin Fletcher is joining us again for a live webchat on Friday lunchtime between 12 and 1 pm. Justin needs no introduction to mumsnetters, who enjoyed a fab webchat with Mr Tumble back in April. Justin is here in his role as a Patron of Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK who have been supported by Cadbury since 2009. This year through the launch of Wishes Cadbury will donate 10% of all profits from the product to Make-A-Wish. Put the date in your diary for Friday midday and if you can't make it, post a question in advance to this thread.

Justin, my daughter is 17 months and I think you're her first crush!

Hi Justin!

My son (who's 3 on Monday) adores Something Special, we've got about 40 episodes recorded on Sky+ so he can watch them on demand (He loves the most recent series, so very pleased to hear there is another one coming next year!) He has picked up on a lot of the makaton which is great as his uncle has autism & sometimes uses makaton so he gets very excited that he knows what they mean!

Are you planning to add any more characters to the Tumble family? Cool Tumble & Lord Tumble are very popular in our house!

The Story of Mr Tumble

I'm sure a lot of you would like to know how we came up with the character of Mr Tumble. In the first series, we had a tiny little budget to make four episodes and Allan Johnston, who came up with the idea for the programme said to me that he had a character called Mr Tumble that would be a slapstick comedy character.

I was touring with a small show called Professor Muddles (which incidentally became one of the Gigglebiz characters) and said to Allan we could use his original costume for Mr Tumble and that is what we did! And the design hasn't changed ever since.

@sethstarofbethlehemsmum

keep up the good work Justin, but please don't work too hard and burn yourself out by the time you are 45 [motherly concern emoticon]. Do make sure you eat properly, sleep properly and take some time to relax, won't you?

I'm taking your advice and hoping to have a good rest after panto in January and February - with maybe even a holiday!

Did you know that comedian Chris Addison has said very complimentary things about you on Twitter? He is a big Gigglebiz fan, apparently.

Oh - are you on Twitter? You so should be. Mime would go down really well.

Breaking news! A new show has just been commissioned, which will be called 'Justin's House'. It'll be filmed in front of a live audience, and will contain songs, celebrity guests, quizzes, and lots of slapstick! It'll be filmed next autumn.

Justin, how do you nominate a child (if thats the right word) for the Make a Wish Foundation?

Is this new show aimed at kiddies, family or adult audience?

Have a lovely rest and enjoy your holiday, you deserve it.

@silverfrog

Hello

we were at Camp Bestival too - the dds were thrilled to see you - at the bandstand, meet you in the Little Big Top, and see you on the main stage (they are a little obsessed )

I don't have a question as yet (will put thinking cap on) but wanted to say thank you very much for the new series of Something Special - they have been very well received in this house!

(are you going to be at Camp Bestival again next year )

I'm in talks with Camp Bestival at the moment, and hope to be there again next year.

@DoolallySally

Is this new show aimed at kiddies, family or adult audience?

It's going to be on CBeebies.

We have a pirate ship play thing in our garden - Would Pirate tumble like to come and play on it? (from DS2 last night)

how exciting, a new series!!!!!!!!

@IloveJackWhite

Love your shows Justin, I think it really helps all children to feel included. I notice you are an MBE too - congratulations!

What was your background before moving into Children's TV?

A lot of my family are involved in the music business, so I was brought up around singers, songwriters and various band, and got into amateur dramatics at the age of 17 and then decided I wanted to go to drama school. Then in my third year wanted to do some children's television after being inspired by Philip Schofield In the Broom Cupboard.

Wow! You are slowly taking over CBeebies!! Btw you didn't respond to the "significant other" question...waits with bated breath....

@Cappster

Did you know that comedian Chris Addison has said very complimentary things about you on Twitter? He is a big Gigglebiz fan, apparently.

Oh - are you on Twitter? You so should be. Mime would go down really well.

Yes, I'm looking into Twitter for the new year - that's my new year's resolution, to get on Twitter!

That's nice of Chris! I also had some nice comments recently from Gary Barlow as well - which came as a shock!

I think we all waiting for an answer to that question DoolallySally

Maybe if we all ask pretty please

Henchwench, Santa's around! I never stopped believing! And never will.

Can I say thank you very much, and have a wonderful Christmas everyone, and hope to see you at one of the live shows next year. Forgive me for leaving a tiny bit earlier, I have an afternoon show and the snow is coming down!

I have just "Liked" your Facebook page...soooo its only fair you answer the burning question of the "significant other"....come on you know you want to!

Hi Justin!

I am part of a brillaint new nursery starting up in the Bristol/Somerset area and we are very keen to focus on communication and language to aid children's play and development. We will have children attending with a variety of needs. Most of the staff are Makaton trained and we will be using it within the setting. We think you are a real inspiration to many parents, early years workers and children!

Please, please please would you consider coming to officially open the nursery for us in the new year?! We are all very friendly and we'll make some cakes!

The children, parents and staff would love to see you, I would really appreciate it if you would consider our offer,

Thank you!

should've asked the burning questions sooner!