Former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer is set to deliver a powerful message about emotional wellbeing to young viewers in a special CBeebies Bedtime Story this Friday.
A Touching Tale for Young Viewers
The 48-year-old star, best known for playing Mick Carter in the BBC soap, will read Rhinos Don't Cry by Mark Grist and illustrated by Chris Jevons. The broadcast is scheduled for Friday, 5 December at 6.45pm on CBeebies, with the episode also available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.
Dyer explained the core message he hopes to share with children, stating that expressing difficult feelings is healthy. "When you're having tricky feelings, you should try and let them out, because it can make you feel better," he said. "You might not think it, but everybody cries, even grown-ups, in fact, especially grown-ups."
He emphasised that appearances can be deceptive when it comes to emotions. "Someone may look big, or tough but they have the same big feelings that you do. Never judge a book by its cover," Dyer advised.
Embracing Emotional Expression
The actor encouraged children to be open about their emotions, regardless of how they manifest. "Whether its big blubbery bursts or snivelly sobs, if you feel like you need to cry, belt it out loud and proud," he added.
The story features a rhino named Milo who enjoys various activities like writing, climbing, and painting. Through the narrative, Milo learns the valuable lesson that it is perfectly fine to cry.
Dyer joins an illustrious list of celebrities who have appeared on the popular bedtime segment. Previous readers include:
- Olivia Colman
- Sir Elton John
- Harry Styles
- Billie Eilish
- Tom Hardy
- Idris Elba
- Reese Witherspoon
- Sir Lewis Hamilton
- Kylie Minogue
A Platform for Inclusivity and Representation
The CBeebies Bedtime Story slot has also been a platform for groundbreaking moments in accessibility and representation. Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose-Ayling Ellis made history by delivering the first story entirely in British Sign Language.
Similarly, rugby legend Rob Burrow narrated a story using an eye-controlled computer, while cyclist Lora Fachie presented the programme's first-ever braille story.
Dyer's recent acting work includes portraying Freddie Jones in Disney+'s Rivals, Lee in the Sky Max series Mr Bigstuff, and the lead role in Nick Love's comedy-drama Marching Powder. His film career is also noted for roles in football-themed movies Mean Machine (2001) and The Football Factory (2004).
This special episode underscores the continuing commitment of children's programming to address emotional literacy and mental wellbeing from a young age, using high-profile figures to connect with families across the UK.
