Claire Foy Joins CBeebies Bedtime Stories to Promote Reading Joy
Acclaimed British actress Claire Foy has become the latest high-profile star to sign up for CBeebies' beloved Bedtime Stories series. This initiative is part of the BBC's broader effort to rediscover the joy of reading among young audiences across the United Kingdom. The 41-year-old actress recently sat in the programme's iconic yellow chair to record a special episode, contributing to the year-long Once Upon a Time celebration.
A Special Reading for Young Viewers
Foy's episode, scheduled to air on Friday, March 27 at 6pm, will feature her reading Stop! That's Not My Story! by Smriti Halls. This book offers a creative twist on traditional fairytales, aligning perfectly with the themes of the Once Upon a Time campaign. This campaign is inspired by the British Library's exhibition and reflects the National Year of Reading, aiming to foster a love for stories and books from an early age.
In discussing her participation, Claire Foy emphasised the critical importance of storytelling for children. I think it is really important to introduce storytelling, whether that's in books or audiobooks, to children as early as humanly possible, she stated. I think it creates a world of curiosity and imagination that is really important to encourage.
She further elaborated on the transformative power of stories, noting, Books and stories offer you the opportunity as a child to imagine yourself somewhere other than where you are. Whatever your upbringing or wherever you are, it is really important to have a different perspective and see the world in a different way, and books and storytelling allow children to do that. Then hopefully they will grow up to be very curious and interested adults.
Joining a Star-Studded Lineup
Claire Foy now joins an impressive roster of global celebrities who have dedicated their time to read for the UK's younger viewers on the 10-minute schedule staple. Previous readers include music legends like Sir Elton John and Dolly Parton, actors such as Idris Elba, and other notable figures like Shirley Ballas, Harry Styles, and Chris Evans. Just last month, the series featured readings from Nick Jonas and Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, highlighting the ongoing appeal and reach of the programme.
The BBC's Chief Content Officer praised the Once Upon a Time initiative, describing it as a wonderful celebration of everything the BBC stands for: imagination, connection and storytelling for everyone. He added, Across the year, we're bringing audiences a rich mix of programmes and events that highlight the joy and importance of reading at a time when it matters more than ever, and inspire families to discover new stories, revisit old favourites and share those moments together.
He also emphasised the collaborative nature of the campaign, stating, Working with partners like the British Library, we're proud to shine a light on the extraordinary power stories have to help us escape, to comfort us, and to connect us with each other. Whether you're picking up a book, visiting your local library or simply enjoying a story at bedtime, we hope this celebration encourages everyone to find a little magic in reading this year.
Personal Health Revelations
In a recent personal disclosure, Claire Foy revealed that she gave up caffeine after discovering she had a parasite in her body for at least five years. She suspected something was amiss due to unexplained weight loss and sought medical attention, where the parasite was diagnosed. Appearing on the podcast Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware, Foy explained that she likely contracted the parasite while in Morocco.
At least five years. And they travel as a pair, she recounted. I got told by the doctor, gross, absolutely rank. It's disgusting anyway. So that's why I gave up caffeine. Because I had to give it up. I basically had to go on this diet, and because I didn't want to take, like, really hardcore antibiotics and stuff like that, I took all this little gross stuff, and part of that was giving up caffeine.
Additionally, Foy shared that she has eliminated gluten and sugar from her diet due to an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation. This is my big secret, I feel like I'm in The Traitors or something, and I'm letting everyone know that I'm related to someone! she joked. So I don't actually eat gluten or sugar except when I go out for dinner. It doesn't have an impact on me. It's just because I have an autoimmune condition, so I should avoid anything which causes more inflammation.
Despite these health challenges, Claire Foy's commitment to promoting literacy and storytelling remains unwavering, as she lends her voice to inspire the next generation of readers through CBeebies Bedtime Stories.
