While the name Justin Fletcher isn't a household name, Mr Tumble is a bona fide superstar to young children. The star's loveable character - not to mention his family, who include Grandad Tumble and Baby Tumble - has reigned supreme on preschool television for decades, with exhausted parents praising Justin for his ability to mesmerise their little ones.
The 54-year-old performer combines slapstick with warmth to great effect, fronting CBeebies shows including Gigglebiz and Justin's House. But he is perhaps best known for his affinity with kids with disabilities and special needs, crafting the popular programme Something Special especially for kids with communication difficulties, incorporating Makaton signs, speech and symbols throughout.
This week, after 12 series and five specials of Something Special, we learned Justin is taking a well deserved step back from the show, with presenters Maddie Moate, Ben Cajee and George Webster set to join in the fun. Here's a closer look at the life of the star, who was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to broadcasting is estimated to be worth a whopping £1.5 million...
His loveable characters have turned into a multi-million-pound industry, with his Something Special DVD alone selling more than 100,000 copies, raking in more than £1million, and a magazine brings in around £180,000 a month. The Bafta Children's Award-winner has also been the voice behind other TV characters, including Doodle and Jake in Tweenies, Miguel in Finley the Fire Engine, Sleeping Bear and Growling Tiger in CBeebies' Boo!, Shaun the Sheep and Harold from Thomas the Tank Engine. And it's not just the attention of children that he has stolen, but unmarried Justin has become a hit with mums.
