Nick Jonas and Jarvis Cocker Bring Personal Stories to CBeebies Bedtime Episodes
Nick Jonas and Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker have been announced as the latest stars to participate in the beloved CBeebies Bedtime Stories series. The Jonas Brothers musician, aged 33, will read The Ballad Of Cactus Joe by Lily Murray, a book inspired by his four-year-old daughter Malti Marie. This selection delivers a heartwarming message about adapting to change and embracing new experiences, reflecting Jonas's personal parenting philosophy.
Cultural Heritage and Family Values Highlighted
Nick Jonas expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of cultural education in his family. "We are raising our daughter to embrace all of the culture that is around her, both from India and from the US," he said. "It's really exciting for us as parents to think about the things that we love about our cultures, whether its clothing, food or certain traditions that are important to us."
He further explained that providing Malti with opportunities to learn through books, television programmes, and family interactions has been a special aspect of their parenting journey. This approach allows her to engage deeply with her heritage and understand her family's history, fostering a strong sense of identity from a young age.
Jarvis Cocker's Return to Bedtime Storytelling
Jarvis Cocker, aged 62, who recently performed on BBC Radio 2's Vernon Kay mid-week morning show, will read Wally The World's Greatest Piano-playing Wombat. The Pulp frontman shared his personal connection to storytelling, recalling the joy of reading to his son during childhood. "Reading stories to my son when he was young was one of the great pleasures in my life," Cocker said. "He's 22 now: a bit old for bedtime stories, so thank you CBeebies for inviting me to experience this pleasure once again."
The scheduling for these episodes has been confirmed, with Jarvis Cocker's appearance airing on CBeebies on Friday at 6.50pm, followed by Nick Jonas's episode on Saturday at the same time. This timing ensures that families can enjoy these celebrity readings as part of their evening routines.
A Legacy of Celebrity Participation in Children's Programming
CBeebies Bedtime Stories has been a staple of the channel since its launch in 2002, attracting a wide array of celebrities over the years. The popular format has featured stars such as Snow White actress Rachel Zegler, aged 24, as well as other notable figures including Harry Styles, Tom Hardy, and music legend Dolly Parton. This consistent involvement highlights the show's appeal and its role in promoting literacy and family bonding.
John Harkins, the executive editor of the show since 2019, expressed ongoing surprise at the caliber of celebrities eager to participate. In an interview with GQ, he recounted an unforgettable experience filming Dolly Parton in Nashville. "I got the opportunity to go to Nashville to film Dolly Parton and brief her in her dressing room, which was just incredible," Harkins said. "She requested to do it, and invited us over to Dollywood, [which was set up] with loads of teddy bears. She wanted to know how to read and was asking our advice."
Nick Jonas's Emotional Reflections on Fatherhood
In related news, Nick Jonas recently opened up about the premature birth of his daughter Malti Marie, adding depth to his involvement in the Bedtime Stories series. The singer and his wife, Priyanka Chopra, welcomed their child via surrogate in 2022, three months before her due date. Jonas described the intense circumstances of her birth, which he had not previously discussed publicly.
On an episode of Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast, Jonas revealed that they received a call about Malti's early arrival, prompting a rush to the hospital. "She came out [and] she was one pound, 11 ounces and purple, basically. These angels at the NICU kind of resuscitated her in that moment," he tearfully recalled. Following the birth, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the parents took rotating 12-hour shifts visiting Malti in the neonatal intensive care unit for three and a half months.
Jonas described the experience as both comforting and frightening, noting that seeing other families in similar situations provided a sense of community. "It was both comforting and frightening to be there every day and to see other families going through similar situations," he explained. Malti fought through her early challenges, gradually gaining weight and undergoing six blood transfusions before being able to go home.
Reflecting on his daughter's resilience, Jonas marveled at her spirit. "I feel like she knows... How she entered the world and what that first chapter of her life was like. And so every day is a gift and you can actually feel it on her in the way that she behaves and how exciting everything is," he said. "Spiritually, I believe that there's gratitude in her." This profound experience underscores the personal significance behind his choice of book for the CBeebies episode, highlighting themes of adaptation and gratitude.
