Wicked star Jonathan Bailey to read CBeebies Bedtime Story

Wicked star Jonathan Bailey has described reading the latest CBeebies Bedtime Story as “magical”.

Bailey, who returns to the role of Fiyero for the second film, Wicked: For Good, will read the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic Room On The Broom.

Listeners will be able to hear the tale of a kind witch, her cat and some unexpected companions as they embark on a windswept adventure, touching on themes of teamwork, courage, and the joy of helping others.

The actor, who won a Laurence Olivier award for his role in the musical Company, said he liked reading the book to his nieces and nephews.

Bailey said: “Reading Room On The Broom felt properly magical. It’s one of those stories that casts a spell on you the moment you open the book.

“Julia Donaldson’s writing is full of rhythm, wit and charm and the message about kindness and coming together is pure gold.

“It’s a bedtime favourite in my nieces’ and nephews’ house, they love when Uncle Jonathan steps in to do the voices, and I never turn down adding a little sparkle to a performance.

“The story reminds us how important it is to have a good team around you, even if they arrive in unexpected, broom-crowding ways. I hope children (and grown-ups!) feel the magic too.”

Bailey’s CBeebies Bedtime Story will be shown at 6.45pm on Friday on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.