2026 Nominees

Pudsey and the Thread of Hope

BBC Studios Kids & Family, BBC

UK

- Animation: Children

Whilst the show is magical and fantastical we wanted the characters to feel real and authentic; people that our audience would recognise and felt familiar. We therefore cast individuals who had an element of lived experience of the characters they would voice so they could bring that experience and authenticity to the roles. For example, a character with lower limb difference is played by a young actor who has a limb difference and could bring that experience and robustness of spirit to the role. Also, Ricky is a young boy with Downs Syndrome and so we cast a brilliant young actor who also has Downs Syndrome to bring the character to life in a wonderfully authentic way. Inclusive casting is so important and extends beyond the cast to members of an inclusive theatre for the song. Whilst the characters Pudsey and Jai meet on their adventures are not based on real people the vignettes closely align with and are inspired by real projects and initiatives supported by BBC Children in Need.