Justin Fletcher's former co-star Sarah-Jane Honeywell has predicted that the beloved Mr Tumble star could soon become a father. The 55-year-old children's TV sensation has reportedly found love with his co-star Samantha Dorrance, 34, and the couple have been quietly living together at his £2.5 million country mansion in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Sarah-Jane's Heartfelt Wishes
Sarah-Jane, who hosted shows like Higgledy House and Mighty Mites alongside Justin before being sacked in 2011 after posing for a topless photograph, has gushed that her former friend would make the perfect dad. Although they are no longer close, she revealed she has always hoped the self-confessed workaholic would settle down.
Insisting that Justin and Samantha's 21-year age gap will not be an issue, Sarah-Jane pointed out: "The nice thing about her being younger is that he might get to be a dad, if that's what they both want."
As a mother-of-two herself, she added to The Sun: "I absolutely love it so I really hope he does get to be a dad. He's been part of childhood for so many children, inspired them and helped them and he's adored by millions. It would be lovely if he had that love that you get that only a parent can have for their child. And imagine Mr. Tumble as your dad, that's kind of cool."
Reflections on Their Time Together
Sarah-Jane recalled that during their years working together, she met two former girlfriends of Justin's who "always seemed to fall very, very hard and then, for whatever reason, it just wouldn't work out and he'd be bereft." Describing him as her "best mate" at the time, she insisted there was never any romance between them but admitted they could be "flirty" on set.
"By nature I am quite flirty, if I'm honest," she explained. "There was nothing untoward, but obviously we were both young and I am very flirty so I'm sure he just mirrored my naughty ways."
Justin's Longing for Family
Famously single for years, Justin has often joked about receiving marriage proposals from smitten mums in interviews. However, he has always pined for love. In a rare insight into his off-screen life, Justin told The Mirror in 2012 that he dreamed of having his own family one day.
"I'm not married, live alone and have been single for a while now because I've been a workaholic filming Something Special, Justin's House and Gigglebiz," he explained. "But I do want to free up some time for myself and my family. I would love to have children so need to find someone who likes kids. A couple of kids would be lovely."
Sarah-Jane's Fallout and New Beginnings
Sarah-Jane found fame on children's TV but was sacked without warning after she tarnished her wholesome image with a topless snap for a PETA shoot in 2011. She admitted she only agreed to do it for a "bit of fun" and was not paid, but still faced backlash from BBC bosses.
"I thought it would be okay but it wasn't. The Sun went to BBC for comment and they said that I no longer work for them," she said. She also claimed she heard nothing from Justin after being axed, despite leaving him a message. "We were the best of mates, so that really hurt. I do understand it though, because as a children's presenter he needs to protect his own image."
Now living in Lincolnshire, Sarah-Jane runs the Curious Academy of Talent theatre school and, with her husband Ayden, recently set up the Curious Talent Foundation to help underprivileged children into the performing arts.
Justin's Career and New Relationship
Before finding love with Samantha, Justin admitted he had spent 20 years putting his career before relationships. The man behind the longest-running CBeebies show of all time has poured all his focus into Mr Tumble, who first appeared on screens in 2004. Since then, Justin has built a brand believed to have amassed a net worth of more than £1.5 million.
