Tom Hardy returns to read CBeebies Bedtime Stories tonight

Most of us have dreamt of snuggling up with our celebrity crush – and now Tom Hardy fans can (kind of).

The Mad Max star is returning to CBeebies this week to read the nation’s kids a brand-new bedtime story.

And you won’t have to wait long to have sweet dreams either, as the first episode airs tonight (July 5).

Hardy first appeared on the BBC’s Bedtime Stories on New Year’s Eve 2016, with the special being streamed over 2.3 million times on IPlayer.

BBC

However, this wasn’t the only reason he set hearts racing as the actor was joined by his adorable dog Woody.

This time, however, another furry friend will be beside the BAFTA award winner – his French bulldog, Blue.

The upcoming special will also celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the NHS, with a specially selected story for the episode.

The Inception star will be reading the sweet tale of Zog and the Flying Doctors, which tells the story of magical creatures being treated for various minor illnesses.

For those not in with the under-fives crowd, Zog is a dragon acting as an ‘air ambulance’ for Princess Pearl and the less than heroic, Sir Gadabout.

And if you still can’t get enough of the Venom actor, he will also be starring in another five episodes of the beloved children’s show – all of which were recorded in his garden. (As if we couldn’t love him anymore.)

If Tom Hardy isn’t your thing, then don’t worry as the long-running series has plenty of other guests suitable for all ages.

BBC

From Harry Styles to Rege-Jean Page to Tom Hiddleston, there have been plenty of celeb heartthrobs to tuck you into bed on the show.

But what does it take to gain a spot on the show, we hear you ask?

Well, it’s not just down to good looks or your celeb status – as executive producer John Harkins explained.

In an interview with Yahoo UK in 2022, he said that the show strives to have ‘diverse range of people’ to engage their young and some not-so-young viewers.

He added: “The readers, stories and pictures are chosen to inspire, educate and entertain our young viewers, but we do have lots of feedback from parents who say that they really enjoy watching with their children so there’s a co-viewing experience to consider.”

However, the TV exec is also well aware of the pulling power of some of the biggest stars who’ve read on the show.

“Of course there’s a wow factor for the grown ups when they see a famous actor, sports or music star,” he admitted. “The stories are chosen with the reader in mind, and to spark a conversation about who that reader is and what they’re famous for."

If you fancy having some sweet dreams, CBeebies Bedtime Story is on each weekday at 6.50pm on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.