Live webchat with Something Special presenter Justin Fletcher, Mon 12 April, 10.30-11.30am

[GeraldineMumsnet]

It's taken a while since you first asked (last July, to be precise!) but we're inordinately pleased to announce that Something Special presenter Justin Fletcher is coming to the Towers for a webchat on Monday 12 April, 10.30-11.30am.

Justin (AKA Mr Tumble) is a BAFTA award-winning presenter and actor, and won the MBE for services to children's broadcasting and the voluntary sector in 2008.

Hope you can join us but if you can't, please post your question for Justin here.

Hi Olyfin

I just loved drama - my first part was the Artful Dodger in Oliver!

Hi Justin, I am in awe
DS (age2)has learnt Makaton purely by watching SS and we all Love you in our house...........Gigglebiz brightens up my week and has the kids in fits of laughter.
Thank you xx
PS - no marriage proposal but you are welcome for dinner any time in the loujay household!!

Hi Justin. Just wanted to add my vote that you are def the best presenter on CBeebies. You make interaction with all the children so natural, and don't talk down to them (unlike others).

My DS learnt to sign from SS, and he still enjoys watching it now (actually I do too, and I love Cliff Tumble).

Are there any plans to have a programme like SS for older children with SN ? SS is the only place that children who are non verbal or who have more severe SNs than just using a wheelchair (watch any other childrens programme, and if there is a child with a SN, it always means they can communicate independantly and if using a wheelchair, self propel) ?

Hi Easterbunnies

Don't tell anyone else but I'm 39!

Thank you Justin- I thought that was probably the case! I can just picture you as the Artful Dodger

I loved the Mr Tumble playing a popstar in a library sketch. I would love to know the name of the episode that was in because I am a tortured daughter of a Cliff Richard fan and the whole thing made me howl with laughter! My verbal description of it doesn't quite do it justice....

Justin, do you have children of your own? Do you practice out your Gigglebiz characters on them?

Havin learnt makaton through SS, do you think it would be a valid argument that it should be taught to all children in preschools/infant schools?

My DD (18 months) and I watch something special together and we are learning the signs, she can now ask for a drink.(her first sign!)

Hi MissWooWoo

Yes I do write some of my own stuff. The characters from Gigglebiz were all my own creations and I try to write as much as I can but I do have a large team of writers to help me as there's so much material. And with Something Special, I have a free reign with the visual slapstick although I'm given a storyline first.

Just want to say that my boys 6 and 2, both love Gigglebiz. I find it like a childrens version of the fast show.

Can't think of any questions.

Justin, given your almost universal mumsnet popularity have you thought of selling your endorsement to a political party (& donating proceeds to charity of course ;) )

I to think you should probably stand for election, maybe in 15 years time when all of todays 3 year olds could vote too!!

Hi Justin no real question but like others have said your program is fantastic. My little girl Emily went to a Sing and Sign class when a baby and never learned anything but after watching your show she can do it all and even uses the actions when trying to make us understand her. I have also learned a lot too and my mum just thinks its brilliant!
Sad its not on as much on Cbeebies these days. Will it be coming back with new episodes? (sorry there was a question!)
Lauren and Emily (2.5) x

wow you definetly dont look 39 i was thinking more like 29!! i am shocked!!!
do yuo have any pets? andwhat food do you like

Hi again Stillenacht

Yes I did study at the Guildford school of ACting for three years. I moved into television in 1994 - my first job was Fun Song Factory after sending a letter to producer Iain Lauchlan, who went on to co-create The Tweenies.

you are definetly the best present on cbbc i agree
i luved what you did with sara jane she is good 2

Have been on phone to everyone all a-flutter! I've 'spoken' to Justin!!

My daughter aged 4 loves all of your shows, especially gigglebiz, she thinks you are great, just wanted to say well done for creating some fantastic TV.

She wants to know who your favourite character is in gigglebiz, she likes captain adorable best! (I dont think she really believes the others are you!)

my daughter is sat on my lap she is 4 years old and loves you
she would like to ask

do you have any cats or kittens
do you have an oven

Hi Amiable

Yes I do use Makaton when I meet children. If they use signing as well I sign straightaway with them

Justin,

I dont have a question, but I would just like to thank you ever so much for Something Special. My son has ASD and loves the show, and he recently started signing along, which is absolutely fantastic and still brings a tear to my eye. He loves the episode about shops on his Favourite Things DVD.

We thing you deserve a knighthood

Hi easterbunnies and daughter

Yes I have two cats - Freckles and Muggles - and I have an oven too!

Have you got any more weekend visits to the CBeebies house planned? My son loves it when you pop up in the links between shows

Justin, do you voice any audio books? If not, any plans to?

That would be GREAT. My two love listening to stories in the car.

Hi LittleMissNorty

No I don't have children of my own but I'd like a family one day. In the meantime I practice my Gigglebiz characters on my niece and nephew!