CBeebies star Justin Fletcher, best known for playing Mr Tumble, is reportedly in a relationship with his co-star Samantha Dorrance, who is 21 years his junior. The 55-year-old actor and 34-year-old Dorrance are said to have fallen for each other last year after reconnecting through children's theatre productions.
Fletcher, from Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, has historically kept his private life out of the spotlight. He has admitted that his busy filming schedule for shows like Something Special, Justin's House, and Gigglebiz left little time for a personal life. However, since stepping back from full-time CBeebies commitments in January 2025, he has gone public with his romance.
Samantha Dorrance grew up in Willenhall, West Midlands, and began dancing at age two. She won Disney Channel UK's talent competition You're The Star at 15, leading to a seven-year stint hosting shows like My School Musical. She later performed in West End productions and over 20 pantomimes. In 2020, she completed a Yale course on wellbeing and founded Sammy & The Sparks, a children's pop band focusing on mental health.
Dorrance joined CBeebies in July 2015 as Tootsie, Mr Tumble's sidekick. She has since appeared in numerous specials and live tours. The pair first met in 2015 when she was cast as Tootsie in The Tale of Mr Tumble. Their romantic connection developed last year while working on pantomimes and touring together.
The couple have kept their relationship largely private, but Dorrance has moved into Fletcher's home. Sources say they bonded over a shared passion for musical theatre.
