Claudia Winkleman to Read Bedtime Story on CBeebies
On the night The Celebrity Traitors returns, Claudia Winkleman will also host a CBeebies bedtime story, reading Monkeypig to children. The story follows a pig living among monkeys, while the host shares personal reflections on parenting and family life.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On the evening of October 1, the BBC will serve up two very different forms of entertainment for viewers of all ages. At 8:00pm, BBC One will launch the second series of the popular reality‑drama The Celebrity Traitors, a spin‑off of the original show that pits well‑known personalities against one another in a game of deception and strategy. At the same time, across the network’s family‑friendly channel CBeebies, 54‑year‑old presenter Claudia Winkleman will take the microphone to read the children’s picture book Monkeypig, a tale written and illustrated by Huw Aaron. The two programmes will air on the same day, giving families a chance to enjoy a night of both suspense and gentle storytelling.
Who is Claudia Winkleman?
Claudia Winkleman has been a familiar face on British television for more than two decades. She first rose to national prominence as the host of the long‑running game show Deal or No Deal, and later became the charismatic presenter of the BBC One reality series The Traitors. In the upcoming second season of The Celebrity Traitors, Winkleman will return as host, guiding a cast of celebrities through a series of psychological tests designed to expose hidden traitors. The show’s premiere on October 1 marks a significant moment for the network, as it seeks to capture audiences with a blend of drama and intrigue.
What is Monkeypig?
Monkeypig is a charming picture book that follows the adventures of Molly, a pig who has successfully blended into a community of monkeys living in a jungle. The plot thickens when a new character, Norman, begins to suspect that an imposter has infiltrated the group. He sets up a series of “monkey tests” to determine who among the animals is truly a monkey. As the story unfolds, Molly must navigate the challenges of staying hidden while also maintaining her friendship with the other jungle inhabitants. The book’s playful narrative and colourful illustrations make it an ideal choice for a bedtime reading session on CBeebies.
Why the Dual Broadcast?
Pairing a high‑stakes reality show with a soothing bedtime story may seem unusual, but it reflects the BBC’s commitment to offering diverse content that caters to different audience segments. While The Celebrity Traitors appeals to adults who enjoy competitive drama, Monkeypig provides a gentle, family‑friendly experience for younger viewers. By scheduling the two programmes on the same night, the network encourages families to stay tuned from the early evening into the night, creating a shared viewing experience across generations.
Winkleman’s Personal Touch
During a brief interview, Winkleman spoke about her own experience as a parent and the joy of watching children grow. She described the different stages of childhood—from the “squishy” infancy to the “toddler” years, and even into adulthood—highlighting how each phase is a gift. Winkleman also mentioned her excitement about becoming a grandmother, adding a personal layer to her role as a storyteller for children. Her candid remarks underscore the emotional connection she feels with her own family, which she hopes will resonate with viewers who are also parents or grandparents.
What Happens After the Reading?
After the 6:50pm reading of Monkeypig, CBeebies will continue its regular programming, while BBC One will proceed with the premiere of The Celebrity Traitors. The show’s launch episode is scheduled for 8:00pm, and will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer as well. Viewers who miss the live broadcast can catch the episode at a later time on the network’s on‑demand platform. The dual programming strategy aims to keep audiences engaged throughout the evening, offering a mix of light‑hearted content and gripping drama.
Future Plans
While the current schedule is set for October 1, the BBC has not yet announced any further special programming that will pair with The Celebrity Traitors. However, the network has a history of aligning its family and adult content to maximise viewership. Fans of Claudia Winkleman can look forward to her continued role as host of the reality series, while parents may enjoy more of her appearances on children’s programming in the future.
Key facts
- Claudia Winkleman hosts both The Celebrity Traitors and a CBeebies bedtime story on the same night
- Monkeypig is a picture book about a pig living among monkeys
- The Celebrity Traitors premieres on BBC One at 8pm, while the reading airs at 6:50pm
- Winkleman shares personal reflections on parenting and becoming a grandmother
- The dual broadcast strategy aims to keep families engaged from evening to night
- The episode will also be available on BBC iPlayer for later viewing
Why it matters
The article showcases how a single broadcaster can cater to both adult and child audiences simultaneously, highlighting the strategic scheduling that keeps families on screen together. It also underscores Claudia Winkleman’s versatility as a presenter, bridging the gap between reality drama and children’s storytelling.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the CBeebies reading start?
The reading of Monkeypig begins at 6:50pm on CBeebies.
Will the Celebrity Traitors episode be available online?
Yes, it will be streamed on BBC iPlayer after its 8pm broadcast on BBC One.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “The Traitors presenter Claudia Winkleman to read CBeebies Bedtime Story”
