In an exciting announcement, England Women’s cricketers Nat Sciver-Brunt, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, and The Hundred’s Abtaha Maqsood have been revealed as guests on the beloved children’s program, CBeebies Bedtime Stories. The trio will make their appearance from the prestigious Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, which is set to host the opening match of both the Women’s Ashes and the third season of The Hundred.
Scheduled to air on Friday, June 9, the Sciver-Brunts will make history as the first LGBTQ+ couple to feature on the show. They will delight young viewers by reading “Find Your Happy” written by Emily Coxhead. The book, adorned with vibrant illustrations, tells the story of a lovable sloth who guides children in navigating feelings of sadness, anger, fear, and shyness. This heartwarming tale is the first of two stories the couple will read for CBeebies.
Nat Sciver-Brunt expressed her excitement, stating, “I put my expressive face to good use hopefully! It’s really important to know that it is okay to feel different things or not fit in and to know that you will find your comfort zone. Becoming a CBeebies Bedtime Story reader is such an elite list to be joining, and it’s such a special thing for us to be doing in Pride Month.”
Katherine Sciver-Brunt shared the joy they had during the experience, adding, “We had a lot of fun! We’re delighted to have been a part of it, especially as a couple and representing the cricket family. It’s really nice to be able to do something so different, and hopefully, our nieces and nephews will enjoy watching us read a CBeebies Bedtime Story.”
Following in their footsteps, Abtaha Maqsood, known as the first woman to wear a Hijab while participating in The Hundred, will also read a story on CBeebies. On Friday, July 14, in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, she will read “Not Now, Noor!” by Farhana Islam and Nabila Adani. The tale revolves around Noor’s curiosity about the reasons behind the headscarves worn by the women in her family. Abtaha will read two stories during her appearance.
Abtaha expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, “I absolutely loved reading a CBeebies Bedtime Story; it’s like nothing I’ve ever done before, and I’m really excited to see it come to life. Both the stories I read are a great reminder that you can be whoever you want to be, no matter who you are, what religion you follow, or what you choose to wear.”
The participation of these three cricket stars on CBeebies Bedtime Stories comes ahead of a thrilling summer for women’s cricket. The Women’s Ashes, running alongside the men’s competition, and the third series of The Hundred promise an action-packed season. The Hundred, in particular, has witnessed remarkable attendance records for women’s cricket matches since its inception.
With matches set to be played in some of the country’s largest stadiums and several games broadcasted on the BBC, fans will have ample opportunities to witness the women’s teams in action. The growing visibility of women’s cricket continues to inspire and captivate audiences across the nation.
CBeebies Bedtime Stories has previously featured renowned sports stars, including Rob Burrow, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Anthony Joshua, Harry Kane, and Leah Williamson. Notable personalities like Rose Ayling Ellis, Tom Hardy, Dolly Parton, Harry Styles, and Kate Winslet have also graced the show with their presence.
CBeebies Bedtime Story airs on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer every weekday at 6.50pm, offering young viewers a delightful bedtime treat filled with imagination and wonder.
