New Animated Adaptation of Julia Donaldson's 'The Baddies' to Feature 'Gavin and Stacey' Stars

A new animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson's children's book, 'The Baddies,' is set to air this Christmas on the BBC, featuring a voice cast that includes several stars from the popular sitcom 'Gavin and Stacey.'

Rob Brydon, known for his role as Bryn in 'Gavin and Stacey,' will voice the character of Ghost. He will be joined by his co-stars Sheridan Smith, who played Cilla Battersby-Brown in 'Coronation Street,' and Alison Steadman, who portrayed Pam Shipman in 'Gavin and Stacey.' The adaptation also features Hammed Animashaun as Troll, Robyn Cara as Girl, and Francesca Mills as the narrator.

'The Baddies,' written by Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, follows the story of a witch, a troll, and a ghost. This particular adaptation celebrates themes of courage, kindness, and the importance of standing up to bullies, according to the BBC and production company Magic Light Pictures.

The plot centers on a girl who moves to a cottage situated near the dwelling of the titular Baddies, who have a blue spotty hanky. Previous animated adaptations of Donaldson's acclaimed books, such as 'The Gruffalo,' 'Zog,' and 'The Scarecrows' Wedding,' have also been broadcast, with Brydon having previously voiced the character Reginald Rake in 'The Scarecrows' Wedding.'

The half-hour special aims to bring Donaldson's whimsical storytelling and Scheffler's distinctive illustrations to a festive television audience.