June 10th 2024.
Renowned actor James Norton is the latest celebrity to join the ranks of those who have read a CBeebies Bedtime Story. This beloved program has previously featured the likes of Harry Styles, Dolly Parton, and Princess Catherine, to name a few. Now, it's the turn of the talented Happy Valley star.
At 38 years old, James has a personal connection to his book choice. The story revolves around educating young children about diabetes, a condition that James himself was diagnosed with 16 years ago. "How to Manage a Mammoth", written by Dr. Rose Stewart and illustrated by Richard Dwyer, in collaboration with NHS Wales, cleverly uses an animal analogy to explain the concept of diabetes. It teaches children that, like an animal, diabetes may not go away, but it can be accepted and managed.
In an interview with BBC, James shared his own personal "diabetes animal" - a big, shaggy dog named Bruce. "When I first got Bruce, he was a puppy and difficult to control because he was always overexcited. But now, he's older and calmer. Though he still gets scared or excited at times, he remains my loyal companion," James smiled as he spoke.
James also revealed that his diabetes is now under control, giving him a sense of happiness and relaxation. For those who may not know, diabetes is a condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are two main types, and James has type one diabetes, which is a lifelong condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells. On the other hand, 90% of people with diabetes in the UK have type two diabetes, where the body either produces insufficient insulin or does not react to it properly.
To manage his diabetes, James needs regular insulin injections and wears a Dexcom sensor to monitor his blood glucose levels. Despite the challenges, James remains determined to live a "normal" life and not let his diabetes control or limit him. In an interview with The Independent, he said, "The diabetes adds a small challenge, but there's a stubbornness in me that says, 'Yes, I'm going to prove to myself and all the other type one diabetics that you can do a three-hour play and not let it hinder you'."
Aside from his role in Happy Valley, James has also appeared in popular TV shows such as Grantchester and War & Peace. He also played the villain Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley until the series finale in 2023. Speaking about his character, James shared, "I have been with him for 10 years, and I feel deeply sorry for him. I feel immense pity and empathy, and I sort of really love him. My final conclusion on Tommy is that I don't think he is a psychopath; he's just incredibly damaged."
It seems that James' acting skills have caught the attention of many, as he is rumored to be cast in the BBC crime drama Bergerac, alongside Aidan Turner and David Tennant. He is also a fan favorite to play the iconic role of James Bond. With a name like his, it does seem fitting.
The tradition of CBeebies Bedtime Stories has been running since 2002, with the aim of promoting reading among children and their families. The BBC has partnered with various celebrities and organizations to bring a starry lineup and meaningful stories to the program. In the past, they have featured Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis, who read the first-ever story in British Sign Language, and the late Rob Burrow, who used an eye-controlled computer to communicate the narrative.
James' CBeebies takeover is set to air this Friday at 6:50 pm, and children and their parents are eagerly looking forward to it. The program has always been a hit among young viewers, and it's no surprise that it has been running for almost two decades. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, the entertainment team at The Agency would love to hear from you. You can email, call, or visit their "Submit Stuff" page.
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