As a regular Cbeebies viewer (with the children I hasten to add – well, mostly!) I often find myself discussing the channel and it’s shows with other parents. Whilst my son’s biggest worry is how Kwazzi and Barnacles will get out of their latest scrape, I enjoy the usual parental activities – internally reviewing the shows, trying to avoid singing the theme tunes in the office, deciding which presenter I’d most like to have a drink with – I’m sure we’ve all been there.
I’ve written about Cbeebies a few times before (“Fatherhood²: I Know I’m a Cbeebies Dad Because…“, “Fatherhood²: Cbeebies next show – “Sh!t Driver Dan Says”?“) and I follow a number of the channel’s stars (both human and animated!) on Twitter – where I enjoy the occassional glimpses in to their ‘real’ lives. And I know many other parents do too.
So with that in mind, and knowing how much parents love a bit of a gossip about this sort of thing, I thought I’d put together a short quiz based on some little-known facts about our very own Cbeebies stars. See how well you do – some of them are easy, but some were kindly given to me by the stars themselves so they’ll really have you guessing!
Which Cbeebies star…
1. …got their first GCSE at the tender age of 8?
It was “Get Well Soon” star Dr Ranj Singh
2. …was actually christened ‘Claire’, but changed her name to it’s current form at aged 10?
The lovely Cerrie Burnell
3. …tours as part of a show called “Big Box of Bananas” with their stage-partner Mike?
Andy Day – you can find out more on the show here: http://www.andyandmike.com/
4. …was taught the violin for 7 years, by none other than Gethin Jones’ mother?
It was Welshman Alex Winters
5. …had a career in stock-broking before turning to presenting?
The excellent Sid Sloane
6. …is the only current presenter who has been with the channel since it’s launch in 2002?
Sid Sloane – and long may he reign!
7. …started their entertainment career as a Butlins redcoat?
It’s ‘Show me Show me’ presenter Chris Jarvis
8. …joined the channel at the same time as Alex Winters, presenting ‘Discover and Do’ and the Bedtime Hour?
Cerrie Burnell
9. …provides the voice of Farmer Pickles in the Cbeebies show ‘Andy’s Wild Adventures’?
You probably guessed from the accent, it’s Alex Winters!
10. …previously presented the BBC ‘Broom-cupboard’ segment, and invented (amongst other things) ‘The Anorak’ character?
Long-time BBC presenter Chris Jarvis
11. …had a recurring role in TV crime-drama Taggart?
Katrina (Nina) Bryan, who played Ellis Sinclair (presumably with the help from her neurons!)
12. …lent their voice to one of the characters in 2010’s “The Mr Men Movie”?
Chris Jarvis, who voiced Mr Tall
13. …writes a regular column in the Bristol City FC match-day programme, “Well Red”?
Mighty-mites and Tikkabilla star Sarah Jayne Honeywell
14. …also played Po, the smallest Tellytubby?
Pui Fan Lee of ‘Show me Show me’ fame
15. …has acted in (amongst others) Torchwood and Doctor Who?
Alex Winters – anybody got a screenshot?!
16. …had a small part in the sequel to Bridget Jones Diary, “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”?
Pui Fan Lee, who appeared in the Thai prison cell Bridget spends some time in.
17. …is the child of a famous song-writer, who penned songs for Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Ray Charles and Franki Valli amongst others?
Justin Fletcher – guess that explains Cliff Tumble then!
18. …has a First-class degree in Drama from the University of Exeter?
Katy “I can cook” Ashworth
19. …plays the character ‘Mr Liker Biker’ in Cbeebies show ‘Grandpa in My Pocket’
Phil Gallagher, aka Mister Maker
20. …plays the character Panzee in the Zingzillas?
Sarah Jayne Honeywell
apart from Question 17 that is Uber hard!