Justin Fletcher is known to millions of children as Mr Tumbles, the character he has played since first appearing on BBC screens in 2003. The role has made him a firm favourite with young audiences, and his live tours regularly sell out.
Away from the cameras, Fletcher has packed in a number of notable milestones: he was given an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II, and he later quit his BBC show after an off-screen romance with his co-star.
Musical childhood
Justin Fletcher grew up in a musical and artistic family as the second of five children. His father, Guy Fletcher, is a world-renowned songwriter who worked with Elvis Presley, Joe Cocker and Ray Charles. Because of his father's work, the family moved around a lot, and Justin found himself rubbing shoulders with musical greats from an early age.
Surrounded by music, dancing and acting, the creative bug quickly rubbed off on him, and he asked his parents to support him as he studied drama.
The Sir Cliff Richard connection
One star who made regular visits to the family home was Sir Cliff Richard, who worked closely with Guy Fletcher. In 1973, Sir Cliff enlisted Guy's help to write his entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, "Power to All Our Friends."
Justin has said that growing up with Cliff in his life hugely influenced his future work. In an interview with BBC Radio 6 presenter Chris Hawkins, he explained: "I was always brought up around musicians and we had a recording studio built onto the house. My character Cliff Tumble is a homage to Sir Cliff, who I've met a lot and is lovely, very charming."
Career and earnings
After launching his CBeebies career in 2003, Justin went on to star in Justin's House and Gigglebiz, both of which became huge hits. But his biggest show was Something Special, which helps children with hearing issues feel included through the use of Makaton signing and symbols.
The show's success brought serious money. According to the latest data, more than 100,000 copies of Something Special have been bought, bringing in roughly £1 million. When other ventures and magazines are included, his net worth is estimated at around £1.5 million.
Leaving Something Special and finding love
Last year, Justin announced he was stepping down from Something Special after 22 years, handing the show to three new presenters. He said it was the right moment to try something new and let others have a moment in the spotlight.
After leaving the show, it emerged that Justin was in a relationship with his co-star Samantha Dorrance, who plays best pal Tootsie. The couple are believed to have fallen in love while on set and while preparing for their live tour. Samantha now lives with Justin in his £2.5 million home. Sources told the Sun that the couple "are madly in love and couldn't be happier".
