CBeebies legend Mr Tumble replaced as star steps back from role after 22 years

Justin Fletcher has been a part of the CBeebies family since 2003, but he recently announced that he would be taking a well-deserved break from the channel after over two decades

Justin will be leaving his role as Mr Tumble(Image: BBC)

A CBeebies legend has been confirmed to be leaving the children's channel. The channel - which caters towards young children - has seen a host of new faces, as A-listers continue to join the channel for its iconic bedtime story segment. The genre of shows being aired on the channel has caused concern, however, as some were taken off the air for being too "scary" for the audience.

Now, fan favourite Justin Fletcher - also known as Mr Tumble - has said he will be leaving his much loved show Something Special. Justin had been at the job for 22 years, and his role will now be looked after by temporary caretakers.

Something Special first hit screens back in 2003 and over time has had a host of successful series, including five special episodes. The show is geared towards crafting for kids who suffer from communication difficulties, including signings, speech and symbols in the Makaton language.

Justin Fletcher has been teaching Makaton communication skills to children for over 20 years

Throughout the entirety of the show, Justin had been at the helm of the programme, together with his alter ego Mr Tumble. But now, there will be three new additions to the team as Maddie Moate, George Webster and Ben Cajee, all of whom will help Justin out as he takes a breather from his long-time show.

Maddie broke the news of Justin's temporary replacement in a post on her social media on Monday (January 6), as she paid tribute to Justin and the crew of the BBC show. Writing in the caption, Maddie - who was voted the Best Presenter at the BAFTA Children's Awards in 2017 - said: "Last year I was lucky to be part of something special... THE 'Something Special', now in its 14th series, starring the much loved Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher!

He will now be taking time away from the channel as three new faces join the show(Image: PA)

"For anyone who's unfamiliar with the show, Something Special is a children's TV programme that uses Makaton signs, speech and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way," she added. "The new series remains the same happy, welcoming place (featuring lots of Mr Tumble!), but with the addition of a few friendly familiar Cbeebies faces!"

Maddie added that she was incredibly grateful and in awe of the team behind the show, who made filming the new series "the most joyous experience" for children watching. Co-star George also chimed in, saying that it was "super fun" to film the show with Justin and his fellow presenters, who he said were his "childhood heroes".

The new trio of presenters have said it is an honour to work alongside Justin as he takes a breather(Image: Getty Images)

Ben also gave his own post of appreciation for his fellow hosts, adding: "Got the nod to be part of the new presenting line up on Something Special. When I was younger, other than opening the batting for England or running West Ham’s midfield, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for work.

"That’s still the case now. I thought it would be cool to be around sport, with children and in broadcasting - and feel fortunate to be able to do those things."

The new series of Something Special airs on Monday (January 13) on CBeebies.

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